Every year on March 17th, people all around the world enjoy St. Patrick’s Day, an Irish feast holiday that celebrates Christianity coming to Ireland. There are parades, dancing, and fiddle music. People partake in drinking Irish beer and whiskey, while wearing green and shamrocks. Here are 10 more curious facts about the fun day. |
|
Source |
1. The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in Boston, organized by 27 Irish immigrants in 1737. |
2. Americans added the wearing green and pinching traditions, originating from leprechaun folklore. Legend has it that these sneaky small fairy creatures can’t see anyone wearing green and like to pinch people. The tradition became to pinch those not wearing green to remind them about the trick-loving leprechauns. |
3. Until the 1970s, all the pubs and bars in Ireland were closed on St. Patrick’s Day because it was considered a religious holiday. 4. The St. Patrick Day’s parade in Dublin sees 500,000 attendants and is more than a mile-and-a-half long. Over 4,500 barriers dot the city to direct crowds of people and the parade. 5. St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland and the Caribbean island of Montserrat, home to many Irish descendants. Unofficially the day is celebrated all around the world. It’s even been celebrated in space. |
Source |
6. Being drunk on the day is an old tradition. A report in the New York Times, all the way back from 1860, mentions how the New York parade had a “great many persons, very much intoxicated”. 7. St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity to Irish pagans. Surprisingly, it is not the official symbol of Ireland, the harp is. |
8. St. Patrick wasn’t named Patrick, nor was he Irish. His real name was Maewyn Succat, and he was born to Roman parents living in the UK. He spent his teen years being a shepherd before turning to church life. 9. In Chicago they dye the river bright green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The idea was thought up by a plumber named Steve Bailey. |
Source |
10. Corned beef and cabbage is a popular dish associated with St. Patrick's Day in North America. It’s an Irish-American variation of the beloved Irish dish of bacon and cabbage. |
Unique Valentine’s Day Traditions From Around the Globe
This article is dedicated to unique traditions different cultures have for Valentine's Day. Some of these will surely surprise you...
7 Mind-Blowing Facts About Rome’s Pantheon
Besides being an impressive building, the Pantheon holds centuries' worth of history. Here are 7 fascinating facts about the iconic Roman structure.
The Most Common Questions About Jewish People, Answered!
We've answered some of the most common questions about Jews and the Jewish traditions.
You Probably Didn’t Know About This Brilliant Scientist
Learn more about a little-known scientific figure who did some great work as a cosmologist and was respected by the great Einstein himself.
These Customs are Common ONLY in the US
What are the things that seem completely normal in the US but make people from other countries raise an eyebrow?
Strangest Historic & Modern Burial Traditions in the World
You'd be amazed at how different we all think of death - one thing all humans have in common.
Did You Know That Birds Can Teach Us About Life?
Birds have to have certain traits just to survive in the wilderness, namely patience and perseverance. Imagine if you could apply such traits to your own life.
12 Beautiful Quotes That'll Boost And Strengthen Your Faith
In moments of peace, joy, sadness, weakness, and at the times when I need a little faith, these 12 inspiring quotes are what I turn to, as they help me trust and deepen my relationship with God a little more.
10 Superb Quotes From Ancient Rome’s Emperors
For your viewing pleasure, we collected 10 precious nuggets of wisdom famously uttered by Roman Emperors.
7 Lessons I Learned From Tackling Negative Thinking
Negativity is all around us, but we can choose whether it influences us, or whether we influence it. Learn more here.
8 Great Quotations from the Brilliant William Shakespeare
One of the greatest writers the world has ever seen has these words of wisdom to impart...
The Secret to Happiness: An Old Monk's Advice
A wonderful TED talk about the easy road to happiness, and how anyone can attain it.
Shocking! Here's What Your Wedding Vows SHOULD Say
Many problems that people experience throughout their married lives stem from the vows they make right at the very beginning. This video explains exactly why.
When Leonard Cohen Sings, Everyone Stops to Listen
Improve your day with one of the most meaningful songs in its most beautiful version.
When I Heard This Story, My Eyes Were Filled With Tears
A beautiful story that both gladdens and saddens the heart.
Let These Life Quotes Reach Deep into Your Beautiful Soul
Whenever you feel low, all it can take to turn your spirit is around the powerful truth that comes from a wise quote. Here are some of our favorites.
Here's Some Precious Advice You'll Really Thank Me For...
We all have regrets, but that's no excuse for not getting rid of bad habits today. Here are 5 things you should do to make sure you look back on life kindly.
The Great Female Quotes No One Ever Told You About
Most collections of quotations are drawn from celebrated 'men' of letters. But what about the wisest women of our age? Here are some enlightening quotes.
Choose an Image & Find Out What Your Fear Says About You
A quick and simple test that can tell you a lot about yourself according to your fears.
Love Someone With All Your Heart? This One's For Them!
Send a sweet animated greeting card to let someone know you love them.
These Bob Ross Quotes Will Make Your Day Better Instantly
Bob Ross' catchphrases and quotes from the years he hosted 'The Joy of Painting' are sure to put a smile on your face!
Don't Despair - You Can Be Happy as You Want to Be
Self-confidence is absolutely necessary. Without it, life is an almost perverse struggle. Here are the 9 things I did to turn my life around. You can do so too!
7 Heroes in History Who Confronted Disaster With Kindness
The touching and inspirational stories of the acts of kindness of these people will restore your faith in humanity and lift your spirits
I Was Having a Bad Day Until I Came Across These Words
Words have the power to change your day for the better. Here are some inspirational quotes that offer you some inspired perspective.
This Simple Tale Has a Beautiful Lesson to Share With You...
This tale is a beautiful moral teaching on how to attain true peace of mind.
How to Reprogram Your Subconscious to Develop as a Person
In the following article, we will give you some tips on reprogramming your subconscious to better develop as a person.
Epic Collection: The Most Inspirational Quotes!
This mega collection of quotes will give you 14 different articles, each with its own theme of quotes so you have a quote for every occasion!
This Short Film Will Bring a Tear to Your Eye!
Watch this short film about homelessness. Heartbreaking!
This Grandmother's Wise Words Will Change Your Perception
In times of adversity, do you allow the situation to make you soft, hard, or do you learn to adapt?
If You Feel Like You Can’t Go On, These Tips Will Help
If things hopeless, and if you feel like you can’t go on, try these simple but effective strategies.
Stick to These 6 Principles for the Best Life
There are certain universal truths that apply to anyone and everyone. Here are 6 of them.
Embrace Stoicism: The 8 Rules for a Life of Contentment
Discover the transformative power of Stoic principles and learn how to apply them in your life.
These Three Little Words Will Strengthen Any Friendship
Any close friends deserve to hear these three little words.
Sometimesm, the Right Words Can Return Our Balance
Learn to achieve balance in your life and get the inspiration you need from these quotes.
These Important Life Lessons I Learned From My Mother
At times, life can be hard, so we can all use a piece of good advice from time to time. Here are 12 valuable life lessons that my Mom taught me.
I Hope These Motivational Pictures Bring Light to Your Day
These seemingly simple comic strips all have a deep meaning, motivating us to be our best selves and always see the big picture!
How to Deal With Regret in 9 Easy Steps
Forgive yourself and let go of the regrets binding you with these easy steps.
Regrets in Life Arise When We Ignore These 7 Vital Things
How can you change your perspective and mindset to enhance our experience of life for the better? Find out here.
Here's a Powerful Thought About Christmas to Bear in Mind...
While I wish you a merry Christmas, here's a meaningful thought I would like you to remember...
These Innocent Questions Can Hurt Other People’s Feelings
Sometimes, asking seemingly innocent and common questions can hurt other people’s feelings.
A Few Words About Life North of 50...
50 is just a beginning, there is much to learn and experience before and after it...
Share This Lovely Message & Wish a Friend a Good Day!
Share these lovely thoughts and wish someone you love dearly a good day!
Words on Life, Love and Faith From Greek Philosopher Plato
Plato was a brilliant philosopher and a student of Socrates who always offered words of wisdom to deal with any scenario life throws at you
The Many Blessings of Giving Honest Thanks...
These beautiful thoughts bring to light the positive magic that comes from giving honest thanks.
There is a Lot to Learn From the Soul of a Dog...
This beautiful video makes it clear why we love dogs so much.
A Beautiful and Inspiring Story About True Forgiveness
An inspiring story of two friends who learn something special about forgiveness together.