We’ll all being wearing green on Monday for St. Patricks Day, but how much do you really know about the holiday? It’s both a religious and national holiday in Ireland, revolving around the evangelist who converted the Irish in the fifth century. Here’s some trivia you should know:
8. There’s a Reason for The Shamrocks
How did the shamrock become associated with Saint Patrick? According to Irish legend, the saint used the three-leafed plant as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity when he was first introducing Christianity to Ireland.
12. It Could have Been Saint Maewyn’s Day
According to Irish legend, Saint Patrick wasn’t originally called Patrick. His birth name was Maewyn Succat, but he changed his name to Patricius after becoming a priest.
Learn more about St. Patrick and the holiday that bears his name at mental_floss.
(Image credit: graymalkn)