St. Patrick: Why did he like all that green?

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St. Patrick was born in the 4th century, son to a Roman-British army officer.  He was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland.  The first six years in Ireland he spent in prison. During his incarnation he dedicated his life to God.  It is said that he dreamed of having seen God.  

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St. Patrick did finally escape to Britain and later traveled to France to study under St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre. After 12 years of training St. Patrick became a bishop and dreamed the Irish were calling to him to return to Ireland and tell them about God. With the Pope's blessing he returned and set out to convert the Gaelic Irish, who were mostly pagan.  Delivering gifts to the right politicians but never accepting any for himself he eventually won favor and baptized the royal families.

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His success upset the Pagan Celtic Druids.  They arrested him over 20 times and each time he escaped.  Despite the obstacles St. Patrick set up schools and churches.  He developed the native clergy, established dioceses, and church councils.  

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A few of his writings are still around.  His legend continued to go after he passed.  It is said that he used the three leave shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Legend also says that he put a Holy curse on all the snakes in Ireland and drove them into the sea where they drowned. St. Patrick passed away on March 17th, 461, the day has been celebrated ever since.  Initially it was only a Catholic holiday but has grown to become a celebration of everything Irish perfectly set in spring when everything is turning green.