The Daily List: St. Patrick's Day Facts

It's said there are two kinds of people in the world: those who are Irish and those who wish they were! We've been celebrating St. Patrick's Day in this country since the 1700s!

Since everyone is a little bit Irish today, on the Daily List this morning, here's a little bit of trivia about this day we all take seriously enough to wear green to avoid being pinched!

1. St. Patrick wasn't born in Ireland

He was born in Great Britain around 387 AD. Historians have written that at 16 was captured by Irish marauders and taken as a slave to Ireland, where he lived for six years before escaping and returning to his family. After entering the church, he later returned to Ireland as a missionary. March 17 is the day he died, not the day he was born.

2. The original color associated with St. Patrick was blue, not green.

The use of green began during the 1798 Irish rebellion, when the clover, or shamrock, became a symbol of nationalism and the "wearing of the green" on lapels became regular practice.

3. The first parade held to honor St. Patrick's Day took place not in Ireland but, in the United states.

On March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as with fellow Irishmen serving in the English army.