The Great Serpent Myth: Did St. Patrick Really Banish Snakes from Ireland? The short answer? No, St. Patrick did not drive snakes out of Ireland. While the legend is deeply ingrained in Irish folklore and celebrated every St. Patrick’s Day, scientific evidence and historical context tell a different story. For St. Patrick’s Day 2013, the New York Times reported on the phenomenon and talked to Kevin Cunningham, founder of the National Exotic Animal Sanctuary, which took in many abandoned snakes. The Best Irish Songs And The Best Irish Films Of All Time For Paddy’s Day; 8 Ways That We Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day In Ireland; The Most Notable St. Patrick’s Day Traditions In Ireland; 17 Tasty St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails To Whip Up At Home; How To Say Happy St. Patrick’s Day In Irish; 5 St. Patrick’s Day Prayers And Blessings The legend of St. Patrick ridding Ireland of snakes in the 5th century is a fascinating tale enticing both foreigners and residents. During an attempt to fast for 40 days, the saint was attacked by a group of snakes. St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland is almost certainly one of those legends. Yes, Ireland is snake-free, but most experts believe they never made it to Ireland in the first place. But St. Patrick did drive the metaphorical snakes of evil and paganism out of Ireland, converting an entire people to Catholicism. That is why the legend The first St. Patrick's Day Parade actually took place in Boston, Massachusetts, back in 1737; the city is known for its high percentage of residents who claim an Irish ancestry. However, some modern Pagans refuse to observe a day which honors the elimination of an old religion in favor of a new one. You have probably heard the story that St Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland rid the Emerald Isle of snakes. But is this actually true and what is the relationship between snakes and the island of Ireland. Click through our gallery above to find out. St. Patrick, a British-born missionary, is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century. Before his arrival, much of Ireland was practicing a mix of pagan and druidic religions, which often featured serpent imagery. Some historians suggest that “driving out the snakes” is symbolic of Patrick’s role in converting To drive out the snake was to drive out fear, superstition, and tribalism—and replace it with a faith built on unity, renewal, and grace. St. Patrick’s myth is not about biology—it’s about symbolism that outlasts bone and skin. The snake is gone—but the spirit that whispered through the grass still sings through the wells. St. Patrick was Italian; St. Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland; St. Patrick was the first to bring Christianity to Ireland – all of these statements are false! Let’s take them one at a time. Some claim St. Patrick to be Italian because he was born in Roman occupied territory, and his name was Patricius.
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