St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated every year on March 17th, is a cultural and religious holiday that pays tribute to the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. But did you know that St. Patrick wasn’t even Irish? That’s just one of the many fascinating facts about this globally celebrated day. Let’s explore more!
Fun Facts about St. Patrick’s Day
- St. Patrick Wasn’t Irish
- The Color of St. Patrick’s Day Was Originally Blue
- There Are No Female Leprechauns
- The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- St. Patrick’s Day Was a Dry Holiday in Ireland
1. St. Patrick Wasn’t Irish
This might come as a surprise to many, but St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was not Irish himself. He was born in Britain around A.D. 390 to an aristocratic Christian family. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and spent six years as a shepherd before he managed to escape. He later returned to Ireland as a missionary, determined to convert the Irish to Christianity. His efforts were successful, and he is now remembered as the man who brought Christianity to Ireland.
2. The Color of St. Patrick’s Day Was Originally Blue
The color most associated with St. Patrick’s Day is undoubtedly green. However, the original color associated with St. Patrick was blue. It wasn’t until the Irish independence movement in the late 18th century that the color green became linked with the day. Today, people around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green clothing and accessories.
3. There Are No Female Leprechauns
In traditional Irish folk tales, there are no female leprechauns. Leprechauns are a type of fairy in Irish folklore, usually depicted as little bearded men who partake in mischief. They spend their time making shoes and store away all their coins in a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If ever captured by a human, the Leprechaun has the magical power to grant three wishes in exchange for their release.
4. The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The town of Hot Springs in Arkansas holds the record for the shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade. The parade route is only 98 feet or 29.9 meters long. Despite its short length, the parade attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a fun-filled event with music, Irish dancing, and plenty of green!
5. St. Patrick’s Day Was a Dry Holiday in Ireland
For most of the 20th century, St. Patrick’s Day was considered a religious holiday in Ireland, which meant that the nation’s pubs were closed for business. It wasn’t until 1970, when St. Patrick’s Day became a national holiday, that the pubs opened their doors. Today, enjoying a pint of Guinness is a common way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland and around the world.
How St. Patrick’s Day is Celebrated Around the World
- In Ireland
- In the United States
- In Other Parts of the World
1. In Ireland
In Ireland, where St. Patrick’s Day originated, the day is celebrated as a public holiday. The biggest celebration takes place in Dublin, the capital city. The city hosts a large parade that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. The parade features marching bands, dancers, and performers dressed in colorful costumes. Many people dress in green and wear shamrocks, a plant associated with Ireland and St. Patrick’s. The day is also marked by attending church services, public parties, and festivals. Traditional Irish music is played, and people dance to the tunes. Many also enjoy a hearty meal of corned beef and cabbage, a traditional Irish dish.
2. In the United States
In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day is not a public holiday but is widely celebrated by both Irish and non-Irish people. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the United States was held in New York City in 1762, and the tradition continues to this day. Cities across the country, including Chicago, Boston, and Savannah, host large parades and festivals. One unique tradition in Chicago is the dyeing of the Chicago River green. This tradition started in 1962 and attracts thousands of spectators each year. People also dress in green, decorate their homes with Irish flags and shamrocks, and enjoy traditional Irish food and drink. Many pubs and restaurants serve green beer and Irish-themed meals.
3. In Other Parts of the World
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many other parts of the world, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe and Asia. In these countries, the day is marked by parades, wearing of green attire, and public parties. In Canada, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, St. Patrick’s Day is a public holiday. In Argentina, Buenos Aires hosts a large party in the city center with music, dance, and food. In Japan, the city of Tokyo holds a St. Patrick’s Day parade, one of the largest in Asia.
Conclusion
St. Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration of Irish culture. It’s a day filled with parades, wearing of green attire, and public parties. Whether you’re Irish or not, it’s a day to celebrate and have fun. So, on this St. Patrick’s Day, may the luck of the Irish be with you!
I hope you found these facts about St. Patrick’s Day as fascinating as I did. Remember, every day is a good day to learn something new. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
