Have you ever wondered why we wear the color green? What is so important about March 17th and why do we have big parties to celebrate this big day? Now you have the chance to learn. Check out the top ten fun facts about St. Patrick's Day.
1. We celebrate the Patron Saint, St. Patrick. He was Roman-British Christian who was captured at young and taken to Ireland in the 5th Century as a slave.
2. March 17th is the day we celebrate St. Patrick (This is the day in which he died)
3. He is celebrated as the one who brought Christianity over to Ireland
4. The symbol of a shamrock is often confused with a four-leaf clover. The shamrock was used by St. Patrick as a way to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit : three distinct persons in one divine being)
5. The day is celebrated with lots of festivals including food, dancing, music, attending worship services and more
6. Traditional food includes corned beef and cabbage, potatoes and soda bread ( this from the Irish-Americans). Originally the main meal that was consumed was either lamb or pork as beef was saved for the wealthy. As many immigrants came over to the mainland the beef was readily available and the tradition merged into what we know now as the St. Patrick's Day meal of corned beef and cabbage.
7. The original celebrations were dry days. Since this was originally a religious holiday all bars were closed and liquor/beer was not sold on that day but as time passed and tourists began to explore coloring beer green and serving it like water became a popular attraction and is still used today.
8. The color blue was first associated with St. Patrick's Day until 1798 when supporters of Ireland began wearing green during the Irish Rebellion> it was a sign of revolution in Ireland. The color green has been worn every since.
9. The funny green man and the pot of gold...he is a fairytale. The leprechaun as we know him is part of Irish folklore passed down through oral story telling. He pops up in stories and celebrations today. Setting a leprechaun trap is a fun way to add to your family traditions in this festive holiday.
10. As we celebrate today many places turn green from rivers in Chicago to icon buildings in NY. We celebrate in big ways!
Take these fun facts and bring them to life with different St. Patrick's Day crafts! Check out the following links for ideas on what to do with your kiddos.
1. Shamrock Crafts with Creativefamilyfun https://creativefamilyfun.net/shamrock-crafts-for-st-patricks-day/
2. Shamrock Trinity Lesson with Bible Story Printables https://thecraftyclassroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/StPatrickColoringPack.pdf
3. Rainbow Twirler with CraftyMorning https://www.craftymorning.com/end-of-the-rainbow-paper-plate-twirler-kids-craft/
4. Leprechaun Trap ideas with kidfriendlythingstodo https://www.craftymorning.com/end-of-the-rainbow-paper-plate-twirler-kids-craft/
5. St. Patrick's Day Sensory Bins with BuggyandBuddy https://buggyandbuddy.com/st-patricks-day-themed-sensory-play/
