Last week at GiftWorksPlus we shared some fun, Irish-themed recipes for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, which got us thinking a bit more about the holiday. The day is a chance to celebrate Ireland and Irish heritage, but this week we wanted to focus on the facts you may not know.

Here are our top 10 St. Patrick’s Day fun facts!

10. St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) is the day that St. Patrick died in the 5th century. St. Patrick is known as the patron saint of Ireland, but many aren’t aware that he was actually born in Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland. After escaping and then later returning, he was credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. 

9. In Irish folklore, St. Patrick was also credited with banishing snakes out of Ireland and into the sea. However, snakes never actually inhabited Ireland due to the cold climate. Many consider the “snakes” in the story to actually represent the Druids and Pagans

8. While we are on the topic of St. Patrick, it turns out the term “saint” may not be quite accurate, as he was never actually canonized by the pope. However, many saints weren’t at that time because there wasn’t yet a formal canonization process

7. In the 5th century, St. Patrick was actually known for wearing a particular shade of blue. “St. Patrick’s blue” was a light shade of sky blue. Green became associated with the holiday from around the late 18th to 20th century as it symbolized rebellion from the British crown

6. The clover is symbolic in Irish culture and especially for St. Patrick’s Day as it was said that St. Patrick used the three-leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish. 

5. Each leaf of the four-leaf clover represents hope, faith, love, and luck. One Christian legend states that Eve brought a four-leaf clover with her when she was forced out of Paradise, thus anyone who finds a four-leaf clover has found a piece of paradise. 

4. The tale of the leprechauns likely comes from those of the Celtic fairies. In Celtic folklore, the leprechauns were known for their job of repairing the shoes of other fairies, and for not having the friendliest disposition.

3. What is “Erin go Bragh?” You may have heard this phrase if you’ve been to a few St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It comes from the Irish phrase Éirinn go Brách, or “Ireland Forever.”

2. Each St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish taoiseach presents the president of the United States with a crystal bowl full of shamrocks. This is meant as a symbolic gesture of friendship between Ireland and the U.S.

  1. Last but not least, the name Patrick comes from the name “Patricius.” However, St. Patrick’s real name was Maewyn Succat. He changed it once he became a priest. 

This St. Patrick’s Day may look a little different than in years past, so why not celebrate that way? Wear sky blue, give a friend a bowl full of shamrocks, and wish everyone a “Happy St. Maewyn Succat’s Day!” Another great way to show your shamrock spirit? Give a friend a St. Patrick’s Day custom gift from GiftWorksPlus. Our ‘Irish Eyes’ , ‘Luck of the Irish’, and our ‘Kiss Me I’m Irish’ picture frames are all perfect for the proud Irishman or woman in your life. Or feel free to pick one out for yourself to frame your photos of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!