Interesting Facts About St. Patrick’s Day

Interesting Facts About St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17. It marks the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The Irish began observing this day as a religious holiday. However, it later became celebrated, in many places, as both a religious and cultural holiday. With St. Patrick’s Day approaching, many of us may associate such things as wearing green, shamrocks, parades, or even green beer with St. Patrick’s Day.  So, in light of St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it would be fun to share some interesting facts:

• It is believed that St. Patrick was born in Britain and not Ireland.  However he served as a missionary in Ireland. 

• It has been said that St. Patrick used the shamrock symbol to explain the Holy Trinity (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit); and it is now the official flower of Ireland.

• Up until the 1970’s it was a dry holiday.

• It’s now the fourth most popular drinking holiday in the United States.

• More people of Irish Ancestry live in the United States than in Ireland.

• The Chicago River has been dyed green on St. Patrick’s Day since 1962.   

• The first St. Patrick’s Day celebration was held in Boston in 1737.

Whether you’re Irish or not, many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! So, remember on March 17 to wear your green and join the festivities wherever you are.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!