7 Facts about Saint Patrick You Might Not Know

Learn the saint’s real heritage and other information about the man we celebrate every year on March 17.
Saint Patrick wasn’t Irish
The biggest misconception about Saint Patrick was that he was Irish. Born in England circa 385 AD, Saint Patrick didn’t make his way to Ireland until Irish pirates kidnapped him at age 16 and sold him into slavery. Later, he dedicated his life to converting the Irish to Christianity.

He taught himself to read and write

Because of his enslavement, it’s believed Saint Patrick missed out on education opportunities such as learning to read and write in his youth. Saint Patrick’s education seemed limited to religious teachings where he studied under a French bishop and was eventually ordained. Still, lack of a formal education embarrassed Saint Patrick, who is believed to have taught himself to read and write beyond his basic Latin. According to a blog on the Oxford University Press’s website, Saint Patrick’s success as a missionary was due to tenacity and “dogged determination,” even in the face of uncertainty and second guesses about his own self-worth.
Some believe that Saint Patrick created the Celtic cross

Although the exact origins of the Celtic cross remain uncertain, some believe that Saint Patrick created the symbol. The Celtic Cross features a circle, which some refer to as a halo or circle of light, around the center of a traditional Christian cross. It is frequently seen on tombstones in cemeteries, sometimes with intricate designs carved onto its surface. It is said that Saint Patrick created the Celtic cross by embedding pagan symbolism—the circle of light—to help him convert pagans to Christianity.

Saint Patrick used a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity

The shamrock (or three-leaf clover, as it’s often called) has long been an Irish symbol, and according to Time, is also recognized as the unofficial national flower of Ireland. According to some, Saint Patrick used the shamrock as an aid to explain the Holy Trinity to people he tried converting to Christianity. In fact, botanist Caleb Threlkeld’s 1726 treatise on native Irish flora mentions Saint Patrick’s use of the shamrock as a religious tool. Although the religious meaning Saint Patrick might’ve applied to the plant hundreds of years ago depicted the three holiest entities in Christianity, today the shamrock endures as an image of Irish pride.

The original color for St. Patrick’s Day wasn’t green

Green wasn’t the original color used to represent St. Patrick—it was blue. After the Order of Saint Patrick was established in 1783, the organization’s color had to stand out from those that preceded it. And since dark green was already taken, the Order of Saint Patrick went with blue.
There were no snakes for Saint Patrick to banish in Ireland

According to folklore, Saint Patrick chased away snakes in Ireland, thus protecting townspeople from the mysterious creatures and sending them to the sea. However, Ireland didn’t have snakes at the time. Surrounded by icy water, Ireland was the last place that these cold-blooded reptiles would want to go. It’s much more reasonable to think that the “snakes” that St. Patrick banished were representative of the Druids and Pagans in Ireland since they were considered evil.
Saint Patrick’s Day Symbols
1 – The Shamrock
Legend has it that Saint Patrick used the three leaves of the clover to explain the Holy Trinity, making it a symbol of faith and good fortune. We should not forget its association with faith, hope, and love! So, whether you’re sporting a Shamrock pin or rocking a Shamrock tattoo, wear it with pride and honor the resilience of the Irish people. If you’re lucky, you might even find a four-leafed clover!
You may also like: Celtic Shamrock Meaning – Luck and the Holy Trinity
2 – The Green Color

Saint Patrick’s Day traditions make up for a green extravaganza! This is the one day of the year when we’re all green with envy, sporting green clothing and accessories to show our Irish pride. The color green symbolizes hope, good luck, and the beautiful Irish countryside, making it the perfect hue for a festive celebration. Wear your greens on St. Patrick’s Day, or risk getting pinched!
3 – Leprechauns
On Saint Patrick’s Day redheads in green hats reign supreme! Yes, we’re talking about those sneaky little Leprechauns who make shoes and guard a pot of gold at the end of rainbows. But it’s not just their treasure-hoarding ways that make them a symbol of the holiday. These crafty creatures are
also known for their wit and cunning, making them the perfect embodiment of Irish humor and charm.
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(4 – Irish Music
What’s a St. Patrick’s Day celebration without the foot-stomping, heart-pumping Irish music? It’s the perfect reminder of Ireland’s rich culture and customs. Ireland’s music attracts people to a jubilant gathering because of its lively and energetic beats. It’s not just the perfect party soundtrack, though – Irish music also pays tribute to the Irish people’s struggles and successes, including their hard-won battle for freedom.
5 – The Harp
There is no musical instrument more synonymous with Ireland than the Harp! This iconic symbol of Saint Patrick’s Day is said to embody the spirit and resilience of the Irish. It reminds us of the country’s rich history and heritage. But that’s not all – the Harp is also believed to bring good luck and fortune to those who carry it.
You may also like: The Irish Harp: Ireland’s National Emblem
6 – The Celtic Knot
The Celtic Knot – it’s like a stylishly twisted extension cord, but with way more meaning! This symbol of Saint Patrick’s Day represents the interconnectedness of all things, and some say it brings good luck and protection. It’s also a nod to the Irish people’s rich culture, heritage, strength, courage, and resilience.
You may also like: The Celtic Love Knot history and Romantic Meaning
7 – The Blarney Stone
The “Kiss me, I’m Irish” phrase has become a staple of St. Patrick’s Day, providing a fun and flirty way to celebrate Irish heritage. And if you’re wondering where it all began, look no further than the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that kissing the stone grants the gift of eloquence – a skill Irish are famous for. But if you can’t make it to the stone, find yourself an Irish person to smooch – it’s rumored to have the same effect!

To Sum it Up
It’s time to go green and raise a pint to the Emerald Isle! Saint Patrick’s Day is full of symbolism, from the lucky Shamrocks to the cunning Leprechauns. So don your green and celebrate the Irish spirit of strength and resilience. And don’t forget to raise a glass of Guinness in honor of Ireland’s most famous export!