St. Patrick's Day - Fact and Fable Quiz

Answer: Blue

Traditionally, blue was the color associated with St. Patrick, but over the ages the color of shamrocks (which Patrick used to demonstrate the meaning of the Trinity) superseded the old observances. Their green color was used in increasing frequency until blue is no longer thought of in relation to the Celtic saint.

Answer: Britain

Patrick was born in Roman Britain, the son of a well-to-do ecclesiastical family, but at age 16 he was captured and taken to Ireland. He escaped and returned to England where he became a priest. He then returned to Ireland to Christianize the inhabitants.

Answer: His death

Patrick's day of birth is unknown, but he did die on March 17 in 460, 461 or 462 AD (depending on which source one consults). He was buried at Downpatrick in County Down in Northern Ireland.

Answer: 1903

Although it had been celebrated for centuries, St. Patrick's Day was not made "official" until 1903. This was primarily due to the Bank Holiday Act of 1903 which was instituted by James O'Mara, an Irish member of Parliament.

Answer: Attend church

In Ireland, St. Patrick's Day has a much more solemn overtone that observances in other countries. One is expected to attend a Roman Catholic church service before participating in the more secular aspects of celebrating.

Answer: Pagans

Although it's true that Ireland has no reptilian snakes, this legend of Saint Patrick is likely a metaphor for his bringing Christianity to Ireland and superseding the pagan religion.

Answer: Two dogs

Two Irish wolfhounds always lead the parade. They are the mascots of the New York National Guard infantry regiment - the "Fighting 69th". Hundreds of floats, bands and other marchers follow the dogs. The parade can last for hours.

Answer: The Chicago River in Illinois

This is a relatively modern tradition which started in 1962. At that time pollution-control workers released 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river which kept it green for a week. Nowadays, in order to minimize environmental impact, only 40 pounds of dye is used and the river only stays green for a few hours.

Answer: The Jews

Many Irish and Jews were poor immigrants living in New York City in the late 19th Century. Corned beef was mainly a Jewish dish, and inexpensive in those days. The Irish readily adopted it and has become very much associated with their culture.

Answer: Boston

According to a child-orientated website, the first year St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in America in Boston, Massachusetts in 1737. Although New York has the largest parade, this didn't happen until 1766. There are large public celebrations in almost every major American city.