Top 10 Common Myths About Saint Patrick’s Day

The much-loved spring celebration, though technically still in winter, is just around the corner. Whether you refer to it as St. Patty’s Day, St. Paddy’s Day, or St. Patrick’s Day, the March 17 festivities inspire us to toast the spirited Irish and their devout, unassuming patron saint.

However, let’s take a closer look at some of the traditions tied to this joyous occasion and their origins. You might be surprised to find that much of what you believe about Saint Patrick’s Day is incorrect. Prepare to be amazed—you might even turn green with shock . . .

10. The Irish Diaspora

The widespread migration, or diaspora, of the Irish across the globe during the 19th-century Potato Famine from 1845 to 1849 carried their resilient and enduring culture to far-off lands. Seeking better opportunities, nearly two million Irish immigrants arrived in the United States by 1891, and today, over ten percent of the US population traces their ancestry back to Ireland. These hardworking individuals brought with them their traditions, heritage, and ancestral recipes. One of their most significant contributions to America might be the annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebration enjoyed by many. But did this tradition originate in Ireland, or was it born among the immigrants themselves?

The inaugural Saint Patrick’s Day parade took place in New York City in 1762, 14 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. It was organized by Irish soldiers serving in the British Army who longed for their homeland. Contrary to popular belief, this lively tribute to Irish culture wasn’t directly imported from Ireland. Instead, the immigrants, yearning for the country they left behind, combined various traditions from their homeland and celebrated them collectively on March 17, the feast day of their patron saint. As these festivities gained popularity in the United States and parades expanded across more cities, these New World customs eventually made their way back to Ireland.

Prior to the mass exodus, Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland was a quiet religious occasion with limited celebrations, as it occurred during Lent—a period of fasting and reflection—amidst a backdrop of religious tensions. In 1996, Ireland officially launched the St. Patrick’s Festival, featuring parades inspired by the original 1762 procession in New York. Today, the holiday is celebrated worldwide. That’s a whole lot of corned beef and cabbage . . .

9. The Mystery of Corned Beef

Speaking of which, what’s the deal with the corned beef and cabbage controversy? On one side, you have Saint Patrick’s Day enthusiasts who eagerly indulge in it every March, while others dismiss it, pointing out that the dish isn’t even traditionally Irish. So, which is it?

The assertion that corned beef isn’t Irish is historically incorrect. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Ireland was the world’s leading exporter of corned beef, thanks to its abundant cattle and lower salt taxes. Ironically, the average Irish person couldn’t afford beef, salted or otherwise, during that time. While boiled dinners of cabbage and potatoes were common, the meat typically used was lamb or bacon. Most farming families wouldn’t slaughter their milk-producing cows for food, and when older cows were butchered, only the wealthy could afford the beef. Nineteenth-century Ireland was far from prosperous, and when the Great Famine struck in 1845, over a million people fled to the United States.

With meat more accessible in the US, Irish immigrants quickly began boiling corned beef—a luxury they couldn’t afford back home—with cabbage and potatoes. However, the corned beef we enjoy today is typically Jewish brisket, not the traditional Irish version cured with large salt crystals. This distinction keeps the debate alive, both in academic discussions and casual pub conversations. Regardless, it’s a dish worth savoring—seconds, anyone?

8. Mischievous Leprechauns

Leprechauns are often thought of just once a year, and when they are, they’re seen as cheerful little figures in green, happily sharing their pots of gold and spreading St. Patrick’s Day cheer. But don’t bring this romanticized view to Ireland.

In Irish tradition, leprechauns are depicted as troublesome imps in both folklore and literature. These pint-sized troublemakers fall under the category of “evil faeries,” known for haunting basements, drinking excessively, and playing cruel pranks, even on grandmothers. While technically faeries, they’re nothing like Tinker Bell! Their only redeeming quality seems to be their shoemaking skills—though the shoes they craft are likely no longer than 8 centimeters (3 inches).

They don’t quite match the cheerful face on the cereal box, do they? And if legends of a gold stash at the rainbow’s end hold any truth, chances are a mischievous leprechaun pilfered it from someone else!

7. The Shamrock’s Deep Symbolism

Spotting a shamrock instantly brings Ireland and Saint Patrick’s Day to mind. While they appear charming and ornamental, these tiny greens are merely plucked from a plant akin to the wild clover often dismissed as weeds. But are these iconic Irish symbols truly as modest as they seem, or do they carry a far deeper meaning? The answer might astonish you.

The Celts of old attributed mystical powers to the shamrock, or trefoil, captivated by the significance of the number three. Legend has it that Saint Patrick used the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity, aiding his mission to convert pagans to Christianity. Moreover, during the 18th century, flaunting the color green was seen as an act of defiance against British rule, a crime that could cost lives. Quite a profound legacy for such a humble plant!

We also associate luck with the shamrock, particularly if it boasts a rare fourth leaf. This connection to fortune might explain why the suit of clubs in card games derives from the Dutch word klaver, meaning clover. With that in mind, may every deck you hold feature a four-leaf clover or shamrock, especially if you’re trying your luck in Ireland!

6. The Orange Tradition?

The shamrock isn’t the sole green element at your neighborhood St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Everything turns green during these parades—worldwide, in fact. However, there’s one exception: Northern Ireland.

For centuries, the color orange has symbolized Northern Ireland and Protestantism, tracing back to William of Orange’s triumph over King James II in 1688. Known as the “Orangemen,” they march to celebrate their Irish roots and oppose the Catholic dominance associated with the holiday. Recently, though, green and orange have begun to blend harmoniously in Northern Ireland, as the region gradually re-embraces Saint Patrick’s legacy in its patriotic festivities.

That said, orange leprechauns might be pushing the envelope a bit too far!

5. That’s Bishop Patrick, to You

Saint Patrick isn’t just Ireland’s patron saint and the reason for global festivities every March; he’s also one of the most beloved and iconic saints in history. From St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City to the town of St. Patrick, Missouri, and countless parades across the U.S. annually, his legacy is celebrated far and wide.

However, did you know he wasn’t officially a saint? The Roman Catholic Church never canonized him. Born around AD 375 in Scotland or Wales (accounts differ), his birth name was Maewyn Succat. The lack of a formal canonization process during that early era of the Church meant sainthood was largely honorary, often reserved for martyrs.

Though his official title was “bishop,” and he even had fellow bishops assisting him, in the eyes of millions worldwide, he’s been sainted countless times over!

4. What’s the Deal With the Snakes?

Every St. Patrick’s Day, someone inevitably toasts the saint for banishing snakes from Ireland, only for another to counter that Ireland never had snakes to begin with. But which of these claims holds water?

Scientifically, snakes never inhabited Ireland due to its geographical isolation from both mainland Europe and England. While England acquired three snake species via a prehistoric land bridge, Ireland’s connection to England was submerged 2,000 years prior. So, if snakes weren’t around to expel, what exactly did Saint Patrick drive out? Could this tale symbolize his efforts to eradicate paganism?

Many experts argue that the “snakes” represent the Celts and druid priests, who revered the serpent as a sacred symbol. (Forget the shamrock.) Saint Patrick was relentless in his mission to eliminate pagan practices and their associated symbols—serpents included.

As for the claim of no snakes in Ireland, the slowworms of Burren National Park beg to differ. These legless reptiles, likely introduced in the 1970s, are thriving despite Saint Patrick’s legendary efforts. Though technically lizards, their snake-like appearance and movement are so convincing that even Saint Patrick or your Aunt Meghan might be fooled. Adding to the confusion, they’re called worms—truly a head-scratcher, as the Irish would say!

3. Who’s Ready for an Irish Coffee Shamrock Shake?

It’s that time of year again for shamrock shakes and minty chocolate treats. While McDonald’s pioneered green milkshakes in 1970, countless St. Patrick’s-themed desserts have since emerged, popping up everywhere from burger joints to waffle houses. Interestingly, these minty delights aren’t as popular in Ireland as they are in the U.S. If you’re craving authentic Irish desserts this March, make sure to stock up on one key ingredient: whiskey.

Irish cuisine boasts a variety of dessert recipes infused with whiskey, where the alcohol burns off, leaving only its rich flavor. From whiskey-infused cakes to buttermilk pies and bread pudding with whiskey sauce, each bite is a delight—without the buzz or hangover. It seems the Irish have mastered the art of cooking with spirits in nearly every dish.

How about spicing up our shamrock shakes with a splash of Irish whiskey this year? Maybe next year . . .

2. ‘I’ll Take a Guinness and a Jameson Black’

In the U.S., St. Patrick’s Day is synonymous with pubs, bars, and, of course, parades. Truth be told, March 17 ranks among the most boisterous and lively holidays in America. And what’s the excuse? Everyone claims to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and the Irish are known for their festive drinking! But is that really the case?

Ireland, being a predominantly Catholic country, observes this holiday during Lent, a period that traditionally calls for modesty and sobriety. In fact, until the 1970s, pubs were shut on this day to maintain a solemn atmosphere. However, in the 1990s, the government lifted this ban to boost tourism, and since then, the Irish have embraced the celebratory spirit, rivaling even the Americans.

And since many of the tourists are Americans anyway, let’s just keep blaming them for the festivities!

1. Parades or Political Statements?

St. Patrick’s Day parades are beloved worldwide, with hundreds held every March, embodying the spirit of pride, heritage, and joy. But does this inclusivity truly extend to everyone?

A significant challenge for parade organizers in the U.S. arises when groups with controversial or opposing viewpoints request to participate. This often occurs when LGBT activists seek entry, sparking debates that sometimes overshadow the event itself. In Boston, the group OutVets, composed of LGBT veterans, faced repeated rejections for over two decades before finally being allowed to march in 2015. However, in 2017, the Allied War Veterans, the parade’s organizers, barred them again. This decision prompted backlash from prominent figures like Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, and Senator Edward Markey, who threatened to boycott the parade. Following a contentious vote, OutVets were permitted to march once more.

Now, in 2018, similar disputes over colors and flags have resurfaced in Ireland. To those stirring controversy: let’s not spoil the celebration!