The History of St. Patrick's Day
Today makes the 253rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade down 5th avenue. While most of us are out there celebrating with a few pints and corned beef hash, many don’t know the history behind the beloved holiday. Here are a few facts on St. Patrick’s Day and how the holiday came to be what it is:
1. The holiday marks the death of St. Patrick. This year marks 1,500 years since the saint has died. Kind of weird we are celebrating, right?
2. St. Patrick actually wasn’t Irish.
3. While most are decked out in green for the occasion, the original color associated with Patrick was blue. Historians believe that blue was the first national color of Ireland.
4. The odds of finding a four leaf clover are 1 in 10,000. Not so lucky after all.
5. 18 places in the U.S. are named after Ireland’s capital, Dublin.
Where to get your Guinness on today.. and tonight (and maybe a corned beef sandwich)
1. Molly’s – 287 3rd Ave.
2. The Irish American Pub – 17 John St.
3. The Sixth Ward – 191 Orchard St.
4. Mary O’s – 32 Avenue A
5. The Beekman – 15 Beekman St.