Test Your St. Patrick's Day Knowledge

Each year on March 17^th millions of Americans, some of Irish decent and some who are just playing Irish for the day, celebrate St. Patrick's Day. On this day, people from all backgrounds join the fun by donning green clothing, wearing shamrocks, indulging in Irish cuisine and beverages, and attending huge St. Patrick's Day celebrations. You have most likely been a part of some of these traditions as well, but how much do you really know about this holiday? Take this quick trivia quiz to test your St. Patrick's Day knowledge.

1. Which of the following is believed to be Saint Patrick's given first name?

A. Succat

B. Maewyn

C. Patricius

D. Calpurnius

2. In Irish folktales, what was the occupation of a leprechaun?

A. Farmer

B. Thief

C. Shoemaker

D. Musician

3. In which of the original thirteen colonies was the first public celebration of St. Patrick's Day held?

A. Massachusetts

B. New Hampshire

C. Pennsylvania

D. New York

4. Where was Saint Patrick born?

A. Dublin

B. Mount Slemish

C. Wales

D. Belfast

5. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2006), how many American citizens claim Irish ancestry?

A. 30 million

B. 38 million

C. 36 million

D. 40 million

6. What Irish phrase refers to indulging in alcoholic drinks?

A. Drowning the Blarney

B. Drowning the Shamrock

C. Floating the Shamrock

D. Floating the Blarney

7. Which major league baseball team was the first to wear special uniforms to celebrate St. Patrick's Day (in 2004)?

A. Chicago White Sox

B. Cincinnati Reds

C. Los Angeles Dodgers

D. Boston Red Sox

8. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. For what occupation's workers is he also considered the patron saint?

A. Masons

B. Engineers

C. Bishops

D. Farmers

9. Which of these Irish-inspired drinks contains the fewest calories?

A. A pint of Guinness (16 oz.)

B. A White Irish (8 oz.)

C. A Shamrock Shake (11 oz.)

D. A cup of Irish Coffee (8 oz.)

10. Saint Patrick's color has not always been green. What was it originally?

A. Orange

B. Yellow

C. White

D. Blue

HOW DID YOU DO? CHECK YOUR ANSWERS ON THE NEXT PAGE:

1. The correct answer is B. Saint Patrick was born as Maewyn Patricius Succat, son of Calpurnius Succat. He took on the name Patrick later in life after becoming a priest.

2. The correct answer is C. The leprechaun is one of many fairies in Irish folklore. Unlike many of the others who spend their time dancing and playing music, the leprechaun is a solitary fairy who is mean and spiteful. Long ago, the name was luchorpan, which meant "wee ones." Over the years the name became confused with the Irish word for one-shoemaker. So, the "wee one" became the grumpy, loner fairy who spends his days working on a single shoe.

3. The correct answer is A. The first public St. Patrick's Day celebration took place in Boston, Massachusetts in 1937.

4. The correct answer is C. You may be surprised to learn that the Patron Saint of Ireland was actually born in Wales, which is on the coast of Great Britain. As a teenager, Patrick was taken slave by Irish raiders. He remained in Ireland as a prisoner for about six years before returning home to Britain. After becoming a priest, he returned to Ireland as a missionary.

5. The correct answer is C. As of 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that over 36 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. The number of Irish-Americans is nine times the current population of Ireland, which is about 4.2 million.

6. The correct answer is B. An individual sits in the pub and proceeds to "drown the shamrock."

7. The correct answer is D. Although the Cincinnati Reds were the first team to don St. Patrick's Day hats, the Boston Red Sox was the first major league team to honor Saint Patrick by wearing special jerseys. Since then it has become a tradition for many teams.

8. The correct answer is B. St. Patrick is also known as the patron saint of ceramic engineers. He has been credited for promoting the growth of arts and crafts in Ireland. St. Patrick introduced the knowledge of using lime as mortar in Ireland and is also responsible for Ireland's initial construction of clay churches.

9. The correct answer is A. Shockingly, at only 196 calories, a pint of Guinness has fewer calories than all the others. One White Irish (a delicious mixture of Bailey's Irish cream, Irish whiskey, and light cream) has a whopping 489 calories. A standard cup of Irish coffee contains between 210 and 250 calories, depending on the cream used in the drink. An 11 oz. portion of McDonald's popular Shamrock Shake weighs in at 416 calories.

10. The correct answer is D. Most people associate the color green with St. Patrick's Day. The original color of Saint Patrick was actually blue. The "wearing of the green" didn't become linked with the holiday until sometime in the 19^th century. In Irish legends, the fairies and immortals wore green. It was also the color worn by people to encourage the growth of crops. The shamrocks Irish wore as a symbol of pride and strength were also green. Green symbolizes new life and growth and is now an integral part of St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

How did you fare on this test? Regardless of your score, I hope you enjoyed yourself and learned something new about this widely celebrated holiday.

Sources for this article:

Barth, Edna. Shamrocks, Harps, and Shillelaghs. New York: Clarion Books, 1977.

drinksmixer.com

Guinness.com

History.com,

Wikipedia.com