With Saint Patrick’s Day quickly approaching, here are 5 things we thought you might want to know about the now-famous holiday:
- St. Patrick isn’t from Ireland – Historians generally believe that St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Britain (not Ireland) near the end of the 4th century. At age 16 he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and sold as a slave to a Celtic priest in Northern Ireland. After toiling for six years as a shepherd, he escaped back to Britain. He eventually returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary.
- St. Patrick Didn’t Banish Snakes from Ireland– Why? There are no snakes in Ireland. Not back then, not before then, not now. According to legend, St. Patrick stood atop an Irish hillside and banished snakes from Ireland—prompting all serpents to slither away into the sea. In fact, research suggests snakes never occupied the Emerald Isle in the first place. There are no signs of snakes in the country’s fossil record.And it is too cold on an island surrounded by cold waters.
- The Shamrock is considered as a sacred plant – It was called the “seamroy” by the Celts and was considered a sacred plant that symbolized the arrival of spring.
- Corned Beef and Cabbage was invented by Americans – While ham and cabbage were eaten in Ireland, corned beef offered a cheaper substitute for impoverished immigrants in the 19th Century.
- How many pints of Guinness are sold on St. Patrick’s Day? According to most sources: 13 million. After this past year, you will probably see that increase this St. Patrick’s Day.
So enjoy your holiday responsibly and Slainte! Which by the way can mean cheers or good health!
