St. Patrick’s Day is a religious and cultural observance for many across the country. While the holiday originally honored the patron saint of Ireland, it is said that on March 17th, “everyone is Irish”. In fact, Patrick himself was not even Irish, so that means all people are welcome to celebrate! Customs include wearing green attire, drinking green beer, attending Irish festivals, or watching the local parades. Whichever traditions you love, don’t forget to send your favorite Gaelic friends and colleagues a beautiful green floral design or potted plant from Marco Island Home & Gifts to honor their heritage.

Here are a few interesting facts about this festive holiday:

Who Is Maewyn? St. Patrick was born in Great Britain and named Maewyn Succat. He was a Christian missionary to Ireland, credited for bringing Roman Catholicism to the Emerald Isle. Although his feast day is still observed by the nearly 5 million citizens of Ireland, the United States has over 36 million people of Irish descent who will also celebrate.

No Snakes! Although legend tells us that St. Patrick saved Ireland from a snake infestation, historians say this never actually happened. They believe that the story has its roots in the fact that the pagan Celtic druid people, who Patrick converted to Christianity, used snake symbolism in their rituals.

The Luck of the Irish: Although many think the four-leaf clover is the official shamrock of the holiday, it is actually the three-leaf variety that Patrick utilized to teach the doctrine of the Trinity to his younger converts. You really will need to have a bit of luck to find a 4 leaf clover, as you’ll only find one in every 10,000 stems.

St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to freshen up your home or office. Whether you choose green orchids, Fuji mums, Bells of Ireland, green trick dianthus, or a shamrock plant – Marco Island Home & Gifts is your local source for all things green and beautiful.