St Patricks Day 2016: 10 Facts About St Patrick's Day You Didn’t Know

One of America's favorite holidays is St. Patrick's Day. To many children, it is a time to wear green and set up Leprechaun traps. For adults, it is just another time to celebrate going to pubs. But bet you didn't know how many of the holiday's traditions came about. Check out below to see facts you didn't know about the Irish holiday. 

1. St. Patrick died on March 17

The saint died on March 17. The Catholic church traditionally celebrates saint's on their day of the death since it is believed that is the day that they enter into Heaven. It wasn't until after his death that he was canonized as a saint.

2. His name was not Patrick.

His first name was Maewyn Succat, according to Mental Floss. He later changed his name to Patricius Daorbae which means, "Patrick, who was once a slave."

3. He wasn't even Irish. 

He was born in Britain. He went to Ireland when he was sold into slavery at the age of 16. 

4.St. Patrick's color is actually blue

Originally, the man was associated with light blue. It was changed over time as green became more popular.

5. The Irish stayed away from booze on St. Patrick's Day until 1970. 

Catholic Online reveals that room 1903 to 1970, the country declared the holiday as a religious observance which meant closing down all the pubs.

6. Wearing green

People wear green on this day, not just because it is associated with the holiday, but also because it keeps you invisible from the leprechauns, according to Christian Science Monitor. 

7. 1 in 10,000

The chances you have of finding a four-leaf clover are not likely. Actually, your chances are  1 in 10,000.

8. Green River in Chicago

The main river in Chicago is dyed green every year on this day, since 1962 by the Butler and Rowan families. So if you aren't in the bloodline, there's a likely chance you won't ever be able to help dye the river green, USA Today states.

9. Corned beef and cabbage

USA Today also notes that this food is more American than Irish. It became popular due to the time when the Irish Americans were heavily poor. Corned beef and cabbage were one of the cheapest foods that these Irish could afford. 

10. Four-Leaf Clover

The legend goes that St. Patrick used the four-leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity.