St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th)

This day honors the patron saint of Ireland, but Patrick was actually born in Britian.

Traditional food like corned beef largely originated in the US rather than Ireland

Who was St. Patrick?

Born in the 4th century to Roman-British parents, he was kidnapped at the age of 16 and brought to Ireland as a slave. He later escaped, returned as a missionary, and is credited with converting Irish pagans to Christianity.

The Original Color was Blue

Before green, the color originally associated with St. Patrick was blue. Ancient Irish flags featured a golden harp on a blue background.

Corned Beef is an American Tradition

While eaten in the U.S. on March 17th, traditional Irish meals involved bacon and cabbage. Irish immigrants in America substituted corned beef because it was cheaper

Why We Wear Green

The custom is linked to the Irish independence movement and the shamrock, but also to folklore that green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who will pinch you if they see you.