Every March, our school turns into a sea of green. We see shamrocks on lockers, green on people clothes and that one friend who is way too excited to pinch people for forgetting their green socks. But how much of what we celebrate is actually true? It turns out that some of the most famous St. Patrick’s “facts” are actually myths.
The Man, The Myth, The Legend
First, let’s clear up a major mystery: St. Patrick wasn’t actually Irish. According to historical records, he was born in Roman Britain in the late fourth century. His life was anything but a party; when he was only 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. He spent six years working as a shepherd before escaping back to Britain. He later returned to Ireland as a missionary, which is how he became the patron saint of the country.
What about the famous story that he chased all the snakes out of Ireland? Science tells a different story. Evidence suggests that snakes never lived in Ireland to begin with. Because the island was surrounded by icy waters after the last ice age, it was too cold for reptiles to migrate there. The “snakes” in the legend were likely a metaphor for the old religions he was trying to replace.
Why Are We Wearing Green?
If you want to stay safe on March 17th, you better wear green—but not just for fashion. Folklore says that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns. According to the legend, these cranky mythical creatures love to pinch anyone they can see. If you aren’t wearing green, you’re a visible target!
Interestingly, the holiday’s original color was actually blue. If you look at old Irish flags, you’ll see “St. Patrick’s Blue.” Green only became popular in the 18th century when it was used as a symbol of Irish nationalism and a nod to Ireland’s nickname, the “Emerald Isle.”
The “American” St. Patrick’s Day
Many of our favorite ways to celebrate actually started right here in the United States, not in Ireland. In fact, for a long time, St. Patrick’s Day was a dry, religious holiday in Ireland where the pubs were actually closed!
* The first parade: The first recorded St. Patrick’s Day parade didn’t happen in Dublin. It took place in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1601.
* Corned beef and cabbage: This classic “Irish” meal was an Irish-American innovation. In Ireland, the traditional holiday meal was usually ham or bacon with cabbage.
* The green river: Every year since 1962, the city of Chicago has used 40 pounds of vegetable dye to turn its entire river bright green for the day. It stays green for about five hours.
Luck by the Numbers
* One in 10,000: Your odds of finding a real four-leaf clover in a patch of three-leaf ones.
* $5.9 billion: The amount of money spent on St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S. alone.
* Four leaves: Each leaf on a four-leaf clover represents something: faith, hope, love, and luck.
Student Life: Make Your Own Luck
Whether you believe in leprechauns or not, March 17 is always a great day to show some school spirit. Wear your green, look out for the cafeteria’s special “lucky” menu items, and remember that you don’t need a pot of gold to have a good day.
Quick Classroom Poll:
If you found a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, what is the first thing you would buy?
Drop your answer in the “Luck Box” in the main office for a chance to win a box of lucky charms-or a candy of your choice.
