St. Patrick's Day is a fun day to celebrate being Irish. All over the world, people of Irish heritage (along with others) celebrate St. Patrick and their country of origin. How well do you know Irish trivia? Here is a quiz to have share with your Irish friends.
* Was St. Patrick real?
Yes, St. Patrick was a real man. He wasn't really Irish, though. He came to Ireland to help teach about God and built many churches, schools and monasteries. He became a saint after his death.
* What year did St. Patrick die?
St. Patrick died in 461 AD
* What is St. Patrick's Day a celebration of?
St. Patrick's day celebrates the death of St. Patrick on March 17, 461 AD
* Why aren't there any snakes in Ireland?
Legend has it that St. Patrick used his spiritual powers to drive poisonous snakes into the sea where they drowned.
* Why do people wear green on St. Patrick's Day?
The color green has come to signify good luck and alliance with Ireland
* Why is the Shamrock an Irish symbol?
The Shamrock is the three-leaf clover found in abundance across all Ireland. St. Patrick to used it to teach the Trinity with each of the leaves signifying the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
* What is a Claddagh ring and what does it signify?
The Claddagh ring is made of two hands holding a heart that wears a crown. The ring stands for love, friendship and loyalty. It is a popular and well-known symbol of love in Ireland.
* When and where was the first St. Patrick's Day parade held?
Interestingly enough, the first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in New York City on March 17, 1762. It was organized by Irish soldiers.
* What Irish beer or ale is considered by many to be the national drink?
Guinness stout. The Guinness company has been brewing the ale since 1759. If you ask for a pint in an Irish pub you will undoubtedly get a Guinness.
* What city in the world dyes it's river green in honor of St. Patrick's Day?
Chicago, Illinois. They have an old tradition of dying the Chicago River green. They use 40 pounds of dye.
* What does the Irish Prime Minister do on St. Patrick's Day?
In a time-honored tradition, the Irish Prime Minister visits the President of the United States in Washington and presents him with a Waterford crystal dish filled with Shamrocks.
* Before St. Patrick became a patron saint of Ireland, what was his real given name and where was he from?
St. Patrick was born Maewyn Succat in the 4th century AD. He most likely came from Scotland or England. St. Patrick led an interesting life. As a young boy he was kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. Later, he escaped and became a bishop in France. Later, God told him in a dream that he should go to Ireland to help teach Christianity. He spent 20 years traveling and teaching in Ireland before his death.
