The Roman Catholic holiday celebrating St.Patrick is March 17th which was said to have been the anniversary of his death. St.Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland known for converting many Pagans to Christianity. While this is common knowledge, there are many facts about St.Patrick of which you may be unaware. These are the top ten facts about St.Patrick’s Day you may not know.
1. St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland was not born in Ireland. St. Patrick by all accounts was British. It is also believed that St. Patrick is buried in Glastonbury. The Chapel of St. Patrick still stands there.
2. While green is the color associated with St. Patrick’s Day, his chosen color was actually blue. Green was even considered an unlucky color in Ireland until about the 19th century. Images of St. Patrick dating before the 20th century show Ireland’s patron saint donning blue garments.
3. Although St. Patrick was known for having converted many Druids and Pagans alike to Christianity, he considered himself Pagan until he was 16. His having been taken captive was said to have brought forth a spiritual reawakening in him. Once he returned home, he began his workings as a missionary.
4. St. Patrick’s Day was originally intended as a day of celebrating spiritual renewal. It is also thought to be a day of prayer for missionaries the world over.
5. St. Patrick’s given name was Maewyn Succat.
6. St. Patrick’s father was a deacon, but it is believed he did it only for financial reasons.
7. The traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal was Irish bacon. Corned beef was substituted as it was less expensive. This tip came courtesy of the Jewish community to which Irish immigrants were neighbors.
8. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in the United States in New York. Irish soldiers serving in the British military marched in this first St. Patrick’s Day parade.
9. Although a widely celebrated drinking holiday in the United States, this was not the case in Ireland. In fact, pubs in Ireland were ordered closed in remembrance of St. Patrick’s Day until the 1970’s.
10. While legends surround St. Patrick’s having driven snakes out of Ireland, snakes are uncommon there. It is believed that the snakes were simply a metaphor relating to the Pagans that he helped convert.
This St. Patrick’s Day, you can show off your knowledge of the holiday. The top ten facts about St. Patrick’s Day you may not know is a great conversation to share over your pints of customary green beer. (Or Guinness for those of you that prefer the non- dyed sort) Don’t forget to wear green!
