5 Facts You Didn't Know About St. Patrick's Day!

st-patricks-daySt. Patrick's Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. The patron saint of Ireland's holiday has become a celebration of the Irish all over the globe, with many famous landmarks across the world turning green for Paddy's Day. But how much do you really know about the man who brought Christianity to Ireland? Here are five little known facts about Patrick and his holiday:
1 - He Wasn't Even Irish!
St Patrick is not actually Irish! Having been born in 4th century Roman Britain, it's thought that Patrick comes from what is now modern day Wales. As a teenager he was thought to have been taken to Ireland by slavers and sold off. Patrick was then believed to have escaped and made his way back home, only to realise his calling was to spread Christianity to the Pagan Irish. He then returned and changed the island of Ireland forever.
2 - The First Parade Wasn't In Ireland
Not only was auld Paddy not Irish, but the very first Patrick's Day parade wasn't even in Ireland! The world's first recorded parade in honour of Patrick took place in Boston in 1737. Another followed in New York in 1762. The first parade to take place in Ireland didn't happen until 1931!
3 - Bowl of Shamrock
Every year on St Patrick's Day the Taoiseach (the Irish Prime Minister) visits The White House and presents the President of the United States with a crystal bowl of shamrock, grown in County Kerry. As a precautionary measure, the shamrock is then immediately destroyed by the Secret Service after the exchange.
4 - The Holy Shamrock
The shamrock is associated with Ireland because of St Patrick. He is said to have used the three-leaved clover to explain the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to the Pagan converts.
5 - The Sapphire Isle?!
Oddly enough, blue was the colour most often associated with St. Patrick rather than green. With green generally being associated with both Ireland and the Irish and Patrick's use of the shamrock, over time it became the most common colour to associate with the patron saint of Ireland.
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