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. |
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.
Baby Names That are BANNED Around the World
These 14 names, some bizarre and some fairly ordinary, have been rejected or even outright banned in countries around the world for different reasons.
10 Amazing Facts You Didn't Know About Christmas
With Christmas just a few days away, get to know these fun and interesting facts about the festival to get into the holiday spirit.
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.
The Most Common Questions About Jewish People, Answered!
We've answered some of the most common questions about Jews and the Jewish traditions.
These So-Called Facts Have Been Officially Disproved!
These beliefs we were taught as concrete facts were disproved and are no longer true!
Incredible Talk: How I Handled My Stage IV Cancer
This inspiring lecture by Kate Bowler is all about surviving life's toughest challenges, overcoming the aftermath, and dealing with people who give false comfort.
These Golden Rules Will Put You on the Path to Greatness
These golden tips or rules will help you live a happier, more inspired life. You should learn them today.
Need a Smile? Try These Heartwarming Photos!
These heartwarming photos tell some beautiful stories and are sure to bring a bright smile to your face.
These Quotes Will Inspire You to Be Who You Want to Be
A little motivation goes a long way. Let these quotes inspire you!
A Beautiful Way to Relax is Listening to Allan Watts...
This great talk will give you some great food for thought, and explains why many people often feel stressed out.
This is What Mother Teresa Had to Say to the World
Mother Teresa dedicated her life to others and she learnt an awful lot throughout her long time on earth. Here are some of her words of wisdom.
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.
These Beautiful Thoughts Set Me Off Into Deep Pondering...
Let these quotes and thoughts fill your mind and heart.
Relaxed Mind: 6 Enjoyable Meditation Techniques
Thought there was only one way to practice meditation? The following 6 creative and enjoyable techniques will enable you to bring about peace and tranquility!
Have a Calmer, Easier Life By Following These 10 Tips
Read these 10 points to find a way to an easier, happier life.
My Dear Friend, I Gift You This Friendship Bouquet
Sometimes in life, we fail to see what's right in front of us, and that includes how much we are loved. Watch this video to reinvigorate your appetite for life.
Get Inspired by Dr Dyer's 6 Life-Infusing Essential Ethics
When I am spiritually lost I return to Dr. Dyer's 6 essential principles for living a spiritually wonderful life. The 6 fruits of his wisdom are ...
A Beautiful Poem: Everything in Life Happens for a Reason!
These thoughts will help you reflect on life and how sometimes, things truly do happen for a reason.
The Life and Works of Walt Whitman, an American Symbol
Today, we are looking into the biography of this extraordinary man, drawing wisdom from a selection of his quotes.
Let These 12 Great Johnny Cash Quotes Inspire You
Not only could Johnny Cash sing, but he also had a way with words. Here are 12 of his greatest quotes.
These Quotes By George Orwell Will Make You Stop and Think
These quotes by George Orwell will make you stop and think.
The Wise and Beautiful Words of Princess Diana
Proncess Diana is remembered for her grace, compassion, and generosity. These are her most powerful words.
Ayurveda - the 5,000-year-old Medicinal Tradition
A light introduction to Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old Indian medicinal tradition, and a self massage protocol based on this ancient knowledge.
10 Sure Ways to Stay in Love for The Rest of Your Lives
Sometimes romance and love gets put on the backburner because of work, kids and home life. Here are 10 tips to maintain and reignite your love. See which ones work for you.
What Does Your Pinky Finger Reveal About You?
Discover what your pinky fingers reveal about your personality, including how you communicate and interact with the world around you.
8 Life Lessons We Can All Learn from the Bamboo
This humble plant looks anything but inspiring, and yet, its strength, determination and simplicity are a source of great inspiration. In this article, we will explain why.
These Stunning Flowers Come with Spectacular Advice
It's all too easy to focus on the bad things in life, so let this positive advice lift your spirits. Check out this stunning presentation.
6 Toxic Relationship Habits That Seem Normal
Oftentimes, it's seemingly 'normal' habits that contribute to a toxic dynamic in your relationships. Keep an eye out for these 6 harmful behaviors.
12 Harmful Thinking Patterns That Perpetuate Stress
Some of the subconscious thinking patterns people have can be very harmful to their mental health.
TODAY Is YOUR Day - Make it a Beautiful One!
Your days are filled with beautiful choices for you to choose from...
These 3 Daily Choices are Behind 90% of Our Success
By making these choices a daily practice and cultivating healthy habits as a result, we can achieve any ambition that resides within us.
This Poem Will Inspire You in Difficult Times...
These beautiful words will help you in your time of need.
Aww! The Oldest Dog EVER is Still Going Strong!
Bobi, a 30-year-old guard dog, has recently been declared the world's oldest dog by Guinness World Records.
Tailing the Cat: A Timeline of Black Cats' Misfortune
In this article, we are tracing the timeline of black cats and luck.
GUIDE: Getting Unwanted Advice? This is What You Should Do
Getting a lot of annoying, unwanted advice? There are ways to put that to an end, politely.
15 Quotes to Remember from F. Scott Fitzgerald
To celebrate the contribution he gave the world through his writing, here are some of the most beautiful quotes of F. Scott Fitzgerald on life, love, and talent.
Even in Difficult Times, the Beauty of Gratitude Shines
Even if you're having a bad day, not feeling too good, or just feel dissatisfied with your life in general, you should always remember to be thankful. Here' why
This Father Is a Liar, The Reason Will Make You Tear Up...
This beautiful story of love between father and daughter is one you won't soon forget.
This Gives Us a Lesson That We Should All Take Note Of!
May this video inspire you to keep you candle of hope flickering, despite the losses you may have experienced in life.
These Kind Souls Knew What Christmas Is Really All About
Christmas truly is a time for giving until you have nothing left to give, and here are some kind souls who did exactly that.
I Hope You Enjoy These Beautiful Quotes About Friendship
It can be hard to sum up what your friendships mean to you in normal words. That's what makes these beautiful quotations all the more special.
The Butterfly Story: A Little Tale to Help You Through
Whenever you come across a struggle in life, you should always remind yourself of this inspiring story.
Inspirational Poem: Life Can Be a Struggle. Are You Ready?
These sentimental words will provide you with plenty of inspiration to face the day and every day that follows.
Kwanzaa in a Nutshell: Learn About This Cultural Holiday
Kwanzaa in a nutshell - a light introduction to this modern non-religious African American holiday.
One of the Most Influential Self-Help Books, Summarized
This all-time best-seller had a lasting influence in the world of self-help. We summarized it for your convenience. Let the positive change begin!