St. Patrick Wasn't Irish and Other Fun Facts

We love St. Patrick’s Day and all of our Irish friends, relatives and tenants. Here are some fun facts about our favorite green holiday. For more information visit HuffPo.com.

  • St. Patrick wasn’t Irish.
    Historians believe he was born in what is now England, Scotland or Wales.
  • St. Patrick’s color is blue.
    WE’VE BEEN LIVING A LIE. You might want to hold off on the green face paint this year.
  • St. Patrick’s Day as we know it was invented in America.
    Really?! Catholic University’s Irish American expert, Timothy Meagher, explains that St. Patrick’s Day celebrations began in the 18th century in American cities with large Irish immigrant populations.“It becomes a way to honor the saint but also to confirm ethnic identity and to create bonds of solidarity,” Meagher explained. Really.
  • St. Patrick didn’t drive all the snakes from Ireland.
  • Probably because there’s no evidence that snakes have EVER existed in Ireland. The climate is much too chilly for them.
  • The shamrock isn’t the symbol of Ireland.
    Sure, you can find shamrocks all over the Emerald Isle, but the real symbol is the harp.
  • Corned beef and cabbage isn’t a traditional Irish dish.
  • It’s just about as Irish as spaghetti and meatballs. You’re better off sticking to Guinness.