What is Saint Patrick’s day and why is it celebrated in the United States? From its religious origins to its fun myths and traditions, here’s what you need to know this St. Patrick’s day.

St. Patrick, Irish patron saint, had been kidnapped in the late 4th century. He escaped and returned to Roman Britain to convert the Irish to Christianity according to britannica.com. He established monasteries, churches, and schools. All before his death on March 17, 461.

With such “accomplishments” (for the time being), many myths followed his death. It was said that he drove snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. Timesonline.com says it was “believed that they could thwart evil spirits and danger by carrying a shamrock. A three-leaf shamrock would enable them to see the evil spirits and escape in time. A four-leaf clover was said to ward off bad luck and offer magical protection.”

St. Patrick’s Day originated to be a feast to remember Saint Patrick. The holiday began as a religious one. When 18th century Europeans immigrated to the United States, they brought the traditions of St. Patrick’s Day. Overtime, the holiday became more and more secular. In 2016, St. Patrick’s day was 7th for U.S. drinking holidays, and is now 3rd as explained by botyapp.com.

The first St. Patrick’s Day celebrations happened in communities with a large Irish population, and has spread widely with Boston hosting an annual parade since 1737. The color green symbolizes Ireland as St. Patrick’s “go to” color was blue.

Currently, Irish and non-Irish people celebrate by wearing green, attending parades or parties, and (adults) even drinking green-dyed beer! Here are the top ten most popular St. Patrick’s Day Parades. Much Irish dancing takes place at the parades, decorated with the colors of Ireland’s flag (orange, white, and green) and live bands preforming traditional- and modern Irish folk music. Even so, you won’t be seeing any leprechauns on St. Patrick’s Day.

These fairy-tale creatures are “said to stand 2-3 feet tall, dwell in tiny underground caves or tree trunks, and only come out on St. Patrick’s Day” says trafalgar.com and their article on the history of leprechauns. In the United States, many classrooms depict leprechauns as fun, mischievous creatures who make a mess of the classroom for laughs. Often they are seen dressed in a green suit, with accents of gold, and buckled shoes, however, leprechauns were originally depicted in the color red.

According to trafalgar.com, “legend says there are no female leprechauns, and their seemingly impossible origins add to their magical and mysterious qualities.” It is well known that leprechauns are sneaky swindlers, who are protective of their gold and hide it at the end of the rainbow. These tiny tricksters are always looking to avoid contact with humans, considering if you happen to catch one, you will “secure a wee bit of luck,” says trafalgar.com, but keep on the lookout! The old tale says, if you hear their tiny hammer tapping in the distance or even their dancing to traditional Irish music, you know they are nearby.

Hurry and snag a leprechaun before your luck runs out; but as always be safe and responsible. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!