Diana McBride, age 13, of Reno, Nev., for her question:

WHO WAS ST. PATRICK?

On March 17, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated to honor the patron saint of Ireland. This date marks St. Patrick's death in the year A.D. 461.

St. Patrick is given credit for converting the Irish people to Christianity.

Many legends about Patrick are told. One of the best known is the tale which tells how he charmed all of the snakes of Ireland into the sea so they were drowned.

According to another legend, Patrick used a three leaf shamrock to illustrate the idea of the Trinity. Many believe that the shamrock came to be the traditional symbol of Ireland as a result of this legend.

Observance of St. Patrick's Day has become nationwide since 1845. It is celebrated in many churches, schools, homes and places of entertainment. Merchants sell special wearing apparel, flowers, shamrocks and greeting cards. Some cities hold St. Patrick's Day parades.