Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on 17th March and is the national holiday of Ireland. It has become a global celebration of Irish culture. The day is marked with parades, parties, and activities, and people from all backgrounds enjoy the festivities. From the history of the holiday to the traditions observed today, here are the top ten facts about Saint Patrick’s Day.
1. Saint Patrick’s Day is on 17th March.
Saint Patrick’s Day is on the same day every year.
It falls on 17th March.
This is the day when Saint Patrick sadly died.
2. They celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland.
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in Ireland!
However, it still gets celebrated all across the world.
3. Saint Patrick was a bishop in Ireland.
Saint Patrick was born in Britain, during the Roman period.
However, he was taken to Ireland to become a slave, against his own will.
After he was free, Saint Patrick became a priest and was later made the first bishop of Ireland.
It is believed that he brought christianity to Ireland.
4. It is believed that Saint Patrick got rid of all the snakes in Ireland.
Rumour has it, Saint Patrick drove all of the snakes out of Ireland.
We’re not sure if it’s true though…
Snakes don’t tend to live in places like Ireland!
Dan visited the cast of The Lodge in Northern Ireland:
5. The shamrock is a symbol of Ireland.
Did you know that the shamrock is a symbol of Ireland and also Saint Patrick’s Day?
There will be lots around during the celebrations.
It is a type of clover and usually has 3 leaves (unless you’re lucky).
The three leaves are meant to stand for faith, hope and love.
It’s really lucky if you get one with four leaves. It is meant to bring you lots of luck!
6. There will be lots of leprechauns about!
On St Patrick’s Day, people love to dress up!
One of the most popular costumes is a leprechaun.
Leprechauns are known as mythical fairy creatures.
It is said that they have a pot of gold hidden away and if you capture a leprechaun, he has to tell you where it is!
7. The Chicago River is turned green every year to celebrate!
St Patrick’s Day often gets celebrated around the world.
Every year the Chicago River is turned green to celebrate!
In fact, they have been doing this since 1962.
8. There are usually Saint Patrick’s Day parades!
Usually there are Saint Patrick’s Day parades where everyone will come together to celebrate.
However, due to the pandemic, it has been moved online this year.
9. If you’re not wearing green, you might get a pinch!
You should always wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day!
It is believed that if you wear green then you will be invisible to leprechauns.
If you aren’t wearing green, then a leprechaun will see you and pinch you!
This is why it has now become a tradition to pinch anyone who isn’t wearing the colour green.
Make sure you don’t do it too hard. Ouch!
10. Lots of yummy traditional food is eaten.
What is a celebration without all of the yummy food?
Some of the most traditional Irish foods include shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage and Irish soda bread.
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