Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17th each year to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. According to tradition, this is the date of Saint Patrick's death in the 5th century. As a former slave, he converted the Irish to Christianity and used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Today, Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated around the world with parades, Irish folk music, dancing, and wearing of green clothing and shamrocks. It is a public holiday in Ireland and other places with cultural ties to Ireland.