Things You Might Not Know About St Patrick's Day

Today is 17th March which means a Happy St Patrick's Day to you. Obviously we're all about different types of products and what they symbolise and promote for your brands, and on a day like today we're full of associations with Ireland and St Patrick such as the Shamrock or the colour green. But just for a bit of fun, we've put together 5 things that us lot here at Total Merchandise thought you might not know about today.

1. St Patrick wasn't even Irish. He was born in Britain and was then part of the Roman Empire, before converting to Christianity and spending his days in Ireland as a Christian Missionary.

 

2. There is a famous tale that St Patrick used the 3 leaves of a shamrock plant to explain the Holy Trinity of his Christian faith; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This is how the shamrock came to be associated with St Patrick and this day.

Holy trinity on a shamrock leaf.

3. Irish Victorian's embraced Christianity and its values in the 18th Century, leading to the tradition of wearing a small green shamrock on 17th March every year to signify their religion. This eventually evolved to include green clothing too, representing the colour of the plant. The tradition of green clothing on St Patrick's Day is still followed today.

4. There is a myth that St Patrick drove all the snakes from Ireland during his time there, which symbolised the dissolution of Paganism in the country. But there's one problem with this story...Ireland never had any snakes!

Snakes leave Ireland due to St Patrick

 

5. Shamrock plants don't officially exist. The word 'shamrock' is derived from the Irish word for clover and it's clover that is shown whenever you see a shamrock.

Written by

Total Merchandise | Editoral Team

Our editorial team is drawn from a pool of experienced promotional merchandise product team members, account managers, marketers and other contributors. With such a wide range of skills and experience, they write about many aspects of promotional merchandise, wider marketing and business matters, as well as company news updates.

Connect with Total Merchandise on LinkedIn Connect with Total Merchandise on LinkedIn

Total Merchandise
Promotional Merchandise Items That Can Help Mental Wellbeing

Promotional Merchandise Items That Can Help Mental Wellbeing

The conversation around mental health and wellbeing is growing ever-louder and - it goes without saying - with due cause. With levels of stress, anxiety and depression at all-ti

TM Edit: The Most Exciting New Promotional Items For 2024

TM Edit: The Most Exciting New Promotional Items For 2024

New year, new merch! The start of a whole new year is the perfect opportunity to give some careful consideration to the marketing and merchandise plans you've got coming up

The TM Edit: Our Most Popular Promotional Products Of 2019

The TM Edit: Our Most Popular Promotional Products Of 2019

With the end of the year - and decade! - fast-approaching, we've decided to shine a light on the most popular promotional products of 2019.  These are no o

Best Summer Giveaways For 2025: Ideas For Any Business & Marketing Campaign

Best Summer Giveaways For 2025: Ideas For Any Business & Marketing Campaign

Summer 2025 is fast approaching, with the season officially kicking off on 21st June. And with that in mind, what better time to start considering the best summer giveaways to t

TM Edit: The Best Pride Promotional Products For Your Business In 2025

TM Edit: The Best Pride Promotional Products For Your Business In 2025

Pride month is almost upon us, and whether you run an LGBTQ+ organisation or are perhaps planning a corporate event to show your support of the occasion, we're here to help.

Promotional Merchandise Statistics: What’s Working in 2025?

Promotional Merchandise Statistics: What’s Working in 2025?

As digital marketing channels become more saturated, branded merchandise continues to stand out by offering something tangible and lasting. Whether given away at events, sent in