St. Patrick's Day celebrates the life of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Scotland or perhaps Roman England around the end of the 4th century AD. His real name was Maewyn Succat, but this was changed to Patricius or Patrick. In a dream, Patrick felt led of God to preach the Gospel to the Irish. He spent some 20 years traveling throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries as he went. Today many symbols are associated with St. Patrick's Day. The three-leafed shamrock was used by Patrick to explain the Trinity: God's triune nature - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Other symbols include the leprechaun, Pot of Gold and wearing green.