Saint Patrick’s Day Trivia

• St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of Saint Patrick’s death in the fifth century.
• The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years.
• People celebrated by attending church in the morning and celebrating in the afternoon with dance, drink and feasting on the traditional meal of Irish bacon (or Corned Beef) and cabbage.
• Born in Roman Britain, at the age of 16, Saint Patrick was kidnapped by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family’s estate.
• He worked in Ireland for 6 years tending sheep. He eventually escaped, walked 200 miles and convinced a ship to carry him back to Britian.
• This journey made his faith grow stronger and he spent 15 years in a monastery in Britain.
• Saint Patrick’s name was originally Maewyn. When he became a priest his name was changed to Patricius.
• Saint Patrick made it his mission to convert Pagans throughout Ireland and eventually churches were established.
• The clover is said to be significant because Saint Patrick used its leaves to explain the holy trinity.
• Long before Saint Patrick’s Day, the four-leaf clover was regarded by the Celts as a charm against evil spirits.
• Peas and cabbage seeds were once traditionally planted on Saint Patrick’s Day. Some farmers believed that in order for them to grow well, those doing the planting should do so in their nightclothes. 
• One claim in history deeply associated with St Patrick is that he banished all snakes from Ireland. This was a tall tale, however, because it has been discovered that the chances of survival of snakes in Ireland are minimal due to the cold conditions of the region. 

How to say ‘Erin Go Bragh’ on Saint Patrick’s Day

• It is pronounced: Air-in…go…braw.
• What it means: Ireland forever.
• When to use it: The phrase, “Erin go bragh,” is traditionally spoken on Saint Patrick’s Day to express loyalty and admiration for the Emerald Isle. The original Irish phrase is said to have been “Erin go brách,” which translates to “Ireland till doomsday.”

Joke

Q: Why should you never iron a four-leaf clover?

A: You don’t want to press your luck.