When we think about St. Patrick’s Day, we usually think about the same things: green everything, shamrocks, pots of gold, leprechauns, and adult beverages (specifically, beer….lots and lots of beer)!

We’ve been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the United States in one form or another for over 400 years. But what do most people really know about this American celebration of the patron saint of Ireland?

Did You Know?

Read on to find out more about the holiday and St. Patrick himself!

-St. Patrick’s Day became a holiday in the States in 1860, although it is not a federal holiday.

-Although it became officially recognized in the mid nineteenth century, it is documented that there has been some sort of celebration or recognition of this holiday in the US since as far back as the seventeenth century.
Documents reveal a St. Patrick’s Day feast and ceremony being held in St. Augustine, Florida as far back as 1600!

-It has been a religious feast in Ireland since 1631 to commemorate the death of Saint Patrick.

-It is believed Patrick died on March 17, 461 AD.

-St. Patrick was actually British, NOT Irish!

-St. Patrick was born as Maewyn Succat. He later changed his name to Patrick when he became a priest.

-Legend has it that each leaf of the clover (or shamrock) has a meaning: Hope, Faith, Love and Luck.

-Chicago, Illinois first dyed Chicago River green for their St. Patrick’s Day festivities in 1962.

-Blue, not green, was originally the official color of Ireland.

Let The Feast Begin!

To really get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, we’ve rounded up some of the most delicious dishes around to get you in an Irish state of mind!

Want to stick to the classics? Try this Guinness Corned Beef recipe from All Recipes, Melissa’s Shepherd’s Pie from The Food Network, Bangers and Mash With Onion Gravy from The Spruce Eats, or this hearty Soda Bread recipe from Good Housekeeping.

If you’re looking for something a little different, try these Irish Potato Bites from Homemade Interest, this Smoky Cheese and Potato Soup from Midwest Living, this Stout Eggnog from Martha Stewart, or these decadent Minty Ice Cream Shamrocks from Taste of Home.

Whether you’re of Irish ancestry or just enjoy celebrating this fun holiday with lots of green, good food, and family and friends, may the road rise up to meet you and may the wind be always at your back.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from InventoryLab!