5 Super Gay St. Patrick’s Day Facts

Happy St. Patrick's Day!! This is a special day when people all over the world gather and celebrate by doing exactly what you think: drinking. But, there's more to St. Patrick's Day than drinking like a stereotypical Irish person! Irish people don't just drink beer all the time! They also drink liquor as well, I'm sure. Just like everyone else. I would venture to say that there are quite a few interesting facts about St. Patrick's Day that you didn't know! Does the Chicago River turn green every year? Why did they choose the color green to represent St. Patrick's Day? Does Michelle Visage have anything to say about this?! Are you actually a leprechaun and you just don't know yet? I'm sharing my five favorite fun gay facts about St. Patrick's Day, and they are as gay as the day is long! Enjoy!

1. The real St. Patrick was not born in Ireland.

A lot of people think that St. Patrick is Irish, but no! Allegedly, he was born in Britain! The reason people believe he was Irish is because St. Patrick is believed to have brought Christianity to Ireland. So it’s all his fault! So who cares if you aren’t Irish?! You can wear your “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” shirt, and no will can question it! Do they make undies that say “Kiss Me, I’m Irish”? I’d like a pair of those, for educational purposes.

 

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2. Leprechauns are likely based on fairies.

Typically, we know leprechauns to be short, red-haired, presumably male creatures. They wear cute little suits and hats, and for some reason live to protect their pot of gold. But originally, the word “leprechaun” came from the Irish word “lobaircin,” which translates to “small-bodied fellow.” Later, of course, after generations of mispronunciation, we just call them twinks. Interestingly enough, early leprechauns were believed to have been inspired by Celtic fairies. These fairies were believed to use their powers for good and evil. So leprechauns are definitely twinks!

 

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3. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in America.

I was equally shocked but also not surprised to find that the first St. Patrick’s Day parade did not actually occur in Ireland. Yes, the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day dates back to the 1600s in Ireland. But the first actual parade allegedly happened in 1601 in a Spanish colony. That colony existed in what we now know as St. Augustine, Florida. There is apparently also evidence to suggest that it happened on March 17th in 1601. But how do they know? Science is so weird. Speaking of March 17th, did you know that St. Patrick’s Day is in the middle of Lent? The Catholic Church prohibits eating meat during Lent, but apparently, they get a free pass on St. Patrick’s Day! So enjoy all the meat you want! God has to forgive you for swallowing all that meat!

 

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4. The shamrock was considered a sacred plant.

In Ireland, the shamrock was believed to symbolize the arrival of spring. It is also said that St. Patrick used the shamrock as a visual to explain the holy trinity because it has three leaves. Which brings me to my next fun fact! Did you know that shamrocks are four-leaf clovers are not the same thing? I had no idea! Apparently, the odds of finding a four-leaf clover is one in about a thousand. That’s like trying to find a top in West Hollywood!

 

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5. The color green was not initially associated with  St. Patrick’s Day.

People in Ireland had been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for nearly 200 years before the color green even mattered! It wasn’t until the Irish Rebellion in 1798 that green was used as an homage to Irish history. Previously, the color blue was associated with St. Patrick’s Day because it was on the Irish flag at the time. Blue also has famously represented nobility throughout history. But now every year on March 17th, all we see is the color green. Has anyone heard from Michelle Visage? Can someone check in on her? Speaking of Michelle Visage, did you know that it takes 40 pounds of green vegetable dye to turn the Chicago River green? How much pounding can you take before you turn green?

Have a great weekend! Make good choices, or don't! And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok!