Pinch Me, It’s St. Patrick’s Day!

I hope you’re wearing green today. If not, there’s a good chance you might get pinched! That’s because today is St. Patrick’s Day—an Irish holiday that recognizes the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick.

In Canada—and most parts of the world—St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with shamrocks, leprechauns, and the colour green. (And in some places like New York, a BIG parade!)

One of my classmates—Ryan O’Connor—is Irish, and since I’ve decided to learn about the different people and cultures of my fellow Canadians, I did some research on Ireland and St. Paddy’s Day. Here are my Lucky 7 Facts:

1. The capital of Ireland is Dublin—and there, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with a 5-day festival, March 15-19. I bet there is a LOT of green worn during that week! (But, bonus fact, the traditional colour was actually blue, not green!)
2. In Ireland, people wear shamrocks on their jacks and hats. Girls often wear green ribbons in their hair. If you want to make a paper Shamrock to wear, here’s a template you can print, cut out, and colour.
3. Leprechauns are a type of fairy in Irish folklore. In the Superman Duffy education comic, CLOUD 9, a leprechaun teaches us about climate change!
4. According to legend, leprechauns were seen all their time making shoes. Hm. I wonder if that’s where my grandma gets all her shoes from! You should see her closet.
5. Corn beef and cabbage is a traditional Irish dish, often eaten on St. Patrick’s Day. Yum!
6. Shamrocks are the most popular symbol of Ireland. It comes from the Irish Gaelic word Seamrog, a word that refers to the plant’s three leaves. (Maybe that’s why finding one with FOUR leaves is so lucky!)
7. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations take place all over the world. There are even pictures of astronauts celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in SPACE!

Do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Mom always makes us something green for dinner—and it is not broccoli!

Gotta jet! Have a great weekend.

~ Chase Superman Duffy