Ireland's patron saint isn't even Irish! St. Patrick was born in Scotland.
Legend has it, Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland -- but the island never had snakes.
Even the American perception of leprechauns isn't quite right. The Irish fairies of old Gaelic tradition were the size of normal, nonmagical people. Don't get caught calling the March 17 holiday by the wrong name. It's Happy St. Patrick's Day, Happy St. Paddy's Day,, or even Happy St. Pat's Day at a push -- but Happy St. Patty's Day it is not.
"Paddy is derived from the Irish, Pádraig, hence those mysterious, emerald double-Ds," Marcus Campbell, creator of, wrote on his website."Patty is the diminutive of Patricia, or a burger, and just not something you call a fella . There's not a sinner in Ireland that would call a Patrick, 'Patty.'" For those in the U.S. who are looking to celebrate properly -- perhaps with a pint or two -- use the Irish toast"
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