Here’s a list of St. Patrick’s Day fun facts that might surprise you—some are quirky, some historical, and some just plain weird:
St. Patrick wasn’t Irish – He was born in Britain (probably Scotland or Wales) and brought to Ireland as a slave at age 16. He later escaped but returned to spread Christianity.
Green wasn’t always the color – Originally, St. Patrick’s Day was associated with blue. Green became popular later because of Ireland’s nickname, “The Emerald Isle,” and its green landscape.
The shamrock’s true symbolism – St. Patrick supposedly used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). But in ancient Ireland, it was also considered a magical plant that could ward off evil spirits.
Leprechauns were serious business – In Irish folklore, leprechauns were actually cranky, solitary cobblers (shoemakers) who had hidden pots of gold, not the friendly, cute creatures we see in modern media.
Corned beef isn’t really Irish – Irish immigrants in America substituted corned beef for bacon because it was cheaper in the U.S. Traditional Irish meals actually featured lamb or pork.
The Chicago River turns green – Chicago famously dyes its river green every St. Patrick’s Day. This tradition started in 1962 with an eco-friendly dye invented by city workers.
It used to be a dry holiday – Up until the 20th century, Irish laws prohibited alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day because it was a religious feast day. Drinking became a major tradition later, especially in the U.S.
Snakes weren’t real victims – Legend says St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland, but there were never snakes in Ireland after the Ice Age. It’s symbolic of driving out paganism.
Parades started in the U.S. – The first St. Patrick’s Day parade wasn’t in Ireland—it was in New York City in 1762, organized by Irish soldiers serving in the British army.
A rainbow of traditions – From wearing green to eating “Irish stew” or “green bagels,” many customs were invented or popularized outside Ireland, often by Irish immigrants.