Saint Patrick: Facts and Myths

Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is celebrated every year on March 17th. Despite being one of the most well-known saints, there are many surprising facts and myths about him that are often overlooked. Here are ten things you may not have known about Saint Patrick and his legacy.

1. Saint Patrick was not Irish, nor was he called Patrick. Born Maewyn Succat to Roman parents in the late 4th century AD, he was kidnapped by Irish thieves and sold into slavery. After escaping and becoming a priest, he returned to Ireland to spread Christianity, and adopted the name “Patricius”.

2. The traditional color associated with Saint Patrick was not green, but blue. Green became popular in the 18th century as a symbol of Irish separatism.

3. The shamrock, a three-leafed plant, is one of the symbols of Saint Patrick. According to tradition, evangelizers used it to explain the Holy Trinity to pagans in Ireland.

4. Saint Patrick is said to have driven snakes out of Ireland, but in reality there were none there at the time.

5. Saint Patrick died on March 17th, 461 AD, and the day of his death is a national holiday in Ireland, as well as in the Caribbean island of Montserrat. It is also celebrated in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador due to its ties to the Irish.

6. Until 1970, all pubs in Ireland remained closed on Saint Patrick’s Day due to religious observance laws. Today, celebrations are often criticized for commercialization.

7. Irish communities around the world celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, and the first known celebration in the United States took place in Boston in 1737. The first parade was held in New York City in the 1760s.

8. The American president typically receives a container of shamrocks as a gift from the Taoiseach of Ireland every Saint Patrick’s Day.

9. Leprechauns, mythological creatures who guard pots of gold, are typically portrayed as male figures.

10. Guinness beer sales break records on Saint Patrick’s Day, with up to 5.5 million pints sold around the world in a single day.

From the color of his garments to the origin of the shamrock, there are many misconceptions surrounding Saint Patrick. Whether you celebrate his legacy with a pint of Guinness or a traditional Irish toast, take a moment to reflect on the history and myths of this beloved saint.