Е.Г. Воронежская, Таганрог 2013 г. Таганрогский институт управления и экономики Кафедра Таможенного дела

Saint Patrick relieved Ireland of paganism, converted it to Christianity, and also expelled snakes from the island. For Irish it is a holiday of pleasure, fun and coming spring.

Saint Patrick's Day was made an official feast day in the early 17 th century, and has gradually become a secular celebration of Irish culture in general.

Saint Patrick's day is associated with green colour. Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick's Day as early as the 17 th century. The phrase "the wearing of the green", meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing.

So the symbols of this day are the Shamrock, Snake and Leprechaun.

Traditionally Irish families wear green and attend church in the morning.

In the afternoon they take part in a festival. The first Saint Patrick's Festival was held on 17 March 1996.

In Dublin the festival usually sees close to 1 million visitors, who take part in festivities including concerts, outdoor theatre performances, and fireworks.

Traditional meal consists of Irish bacon and cabbage, Guinness beer and Irish whiskey.

It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora, especially in places such as Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, and others It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora, especially in places such as Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, and others.

In Great Britain, Queen Mother used to present bowls of shamrock flown over from Ireland to members of the Irish Guards. Great Britain

CanadaCanada The longest-running Saint Patrick's Day parade in North America occurs each year in Montreal, the flag of which has a shamrock in one of its corners. The parades have been held in continuity since 1824.

Argentina In Argentina all- night long parties are celebrated in designated streets. People dance and drink only beer throughout the night, until seven or eight in the morning. Many people wear something green.

New Zealand and Australia Saint Patrick's Day is widely celebrated in these countries - green items of clothing are traditionally worn and the streets are often filled with revellers drinking and making merry from early afternoon until late at night.

The United States March was proclaimed Irish-American Heritage Month by the US Congress due to the date of St. Patrick's Day.

Saint Patrick's Day is widely celebrated in America by Irish and non-Irish alike. For most Irish-Americans, this holiday is both religious and festive.

RussiaRussia In Russia this day has been celebrated since 1992 the International Festival "Day of Saint Patrick" is held every year in the middle of March. A set of thematic events of various formats is organized – films, musical concerts and parties, dancing shows, exhibitions and master classes, and certainly the Parade.

St. Patrick's Day church services are followed by parades and parties, Irish music, songs, and dances.

It is one of the leading days for consumption of alcohol, as individuals are allowed to break their Lenten sacrifices for the day in order to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day.

Many people choose to wear green coloured clothing and items. Traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green are pinched affectionately.