Although St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious holiday in Ireland, people across many nations now celebrate March 17, the day believed to be Patrick’s death. Here are some noted facts:

• St. Patrick was not Irish.
• Born a nobleman in Britain about 400 A.D.
• An atheist in his early years
• Kidnapped by Irish pirates at age 16
• A slave in Ireland for 17 years
• Rediscovered his faith while in Ireland
• Returned to Ireland as a missionary
• Legend states St. Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to explain Christian Holy Trinity. (But it’s said no evidence proves he ever did.)
• Still unclear if St. Patrick died in Ireland

And for those who are Irish, know someone who is Irish, or just want to help celebrate for their own pleasure, put on your green clothes, green hats, green glasses, green everything, and have some green beer, or green cake, or green potatoes, or anything drinkable/edible green…but pah-lease don’t call me later when you are feeling oh-so green!

Be safe and have fun! And again, Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA Fiction