10 Strange Facts About Saint Patrick’s Day
On March 17, people worldwide celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
But, there are some strange facts you may not know. Here is a list of them ready to surprise you –
10 Facts About Saint Patrick’s Day
1. Patrick Wasn’t Irish
Despite being associated with Ireland, Saint Patrick was not Irish. He was born in Britain around A.D. 390 to an aristocratic Christian family.
2. Patrick Was a Slave
At the age of 16, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders and spent several years as a slave in Ireland.
3. Saint Patrick’s Color Was Blue
“Saint Patrick’s blue” is a shade of blue associated with Saint Patrick and the Order of Saint Patrick. The use of green became more common only during the 18th century.
4. Shamrock Symbolism
It is said that Saint Patrick used the shamrock as a metaphor to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to the pagan Irish, although there’s no direct historical evidence for this claim.
5. First Parade in America, Not Ireland
The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in America. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City in 1762. The first parade in Ireland wasn’t held until 1903.
6. Corned Beef Isn’t an Irish Tradition
Corned beef and cabbage, a traditional Saint Patrick’s Day staple, doesn’t have its roots in Ireland. Irish Americans started eating corned beef as a cheaper alternative to traditional Irish bacon.
7. The World’s Shortest Parade
The town of Hot Springs in Arkansas holds what is known to be the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade, measuring just 98 feet (30 meters).
8. Saint Patrick’s Day was a Dry Holiday
For many decades, Saint Patrick’s Day was a religious observance in Ireland, and up until the 1970s, all pubs were closed on March 17th.
9. There Are No Female Leprechauns
According to traditional Irish folk tales, there are no female leprechauns.
10. Chicago River Goes Green
Each St. Patrick’s Day, the City of Chicago dyes its river green. It has been a tradition in the city since 1962.