Most folks know the basics to the holiday but here are some facts that will broaden you're knowledge of the Irish past time

#1.)  St. Patrick Wasn't Irish. We've said it before and we'll say it again . . . St. Patrick wasn't actually Irish!  He was born in Scotland or Wales, and brought to Ireland as a slave.  Also, his name wasn't Patrick . . . his given name was Maewyn. (which is easily confused with Patrick?)

#2.)  Until 1970, Irish Bars Closed On St. Patrick's Day. In 1903, St. Patrick's Day was named a national holiday in Ireland.  Nice tribute . . . but in Ireland, bars have to close on national holidays.  That was overturned in 1970 when thousands of drunk Irishmen showed up in protest to tell the government, "pog mo thoin ye wankers a 'for we shoove a shelalee in your hootanani"

#3.)  America Is Far More Irish Than Ireland. There are more than 35 million Americans with Irish ancestry.  The population of Ireland is 4.2 million.

#4.)  Four Out Of Five Americans Wear Green Today. And about 20 million, or about one out of 13, go to a bar. Tomorrow, most will show up to work hungover with the word "dick" written on their forehead.

#5.)  It's Really Easy To Dye The Chicago River. The Chicago River is dyed green for St. Patrick's Day . . . and it only takes 40 pounds of green vegetable dye to do it.  That green lasts for a few days and totally doesn't kill plants and wildlife or give you intestinal cancer but if it does who cares? You're drunk and it's St. Patrick's Day

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