St. Patrick's Day Quiz! Trivia Facts

1. St. Patrick's Day has many customs. These include:

The wearing of green

Holding parades

Drinking beer

All of the Above

The correct answer is "All of the Above" because St. Patrick's Day is commonly associated with these customs. Wearing green is a tradition to show Irish pride, parades are held to celebrate Irish culture and heritage, and drinking beer, particularly Guinness, is a popular activity during the holiday. Therefore, all of these customs are commonly observed on St. Patrick's Day.

Explanation

The correct answer is "All of the Above" because St. Patrick's Day is commonly associated with these customs. Wearing green is a tradition to show Irish pride, parades are held to celebrate Irish culture and heritage, and drinking beer, particularly Guinness, is a popular activity during the holiday. Therefore, all of these customs are commonly observed on St. Patrick's Day.

2. In his teaching, St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock as a symbol to explain:

The Holy Trinity

The Good Samaritan

Noah's Ark

The Ten Commandments

St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock as a symbol to explain the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity is a Christian belief that God exists as three persons - the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit - but is one God. By using the shamrock, which has three leaves but is still one plant, St. Patrick was able to visually represent this concept and help people understand the nature of the Holy Trinity.

Explanation

St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock as a symbol to explain the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity is a Christian belief that God exists as three persons - the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit - but is one God. By using the shamrock, which has three leaves but is still one plant, St. Patrick was able to visually represent this concept and help people understand the nature of the Holy Trinity.

3. Christianity played a huge role in Irish culture.

True

False

Christianity played a significant role in Irish culture due to its historical and cultural influence. The introduction of Christianity to Ireland in the early 5th century by Saint Patrick led to the establishment of monasteries, the spread of literacy, and the development of a unique Celtic Christian tradition. The Irish people embraced Christianity, and it became deeply ingrained in their customs, beliefs, and way of life. The influence of Christianity can be seen in various aspects of Irish culture, including art, literature, music, and religious practices. Therefore, it is accurate to say that Christianity played a huge role in Irish culture.

Explanation

Christianity played a significant role in Irish culture due to its historical and cultural influence. The introduction of Christianity to Ireland in the early 5th century by Saint Patrick led to the establishment of monasteries, the spread of literacy, and the development of a unique Celtic Christian tradition. The Irish people embraced Christianity, and it became deeply ingrained in their customs, beliefs, and way of life. The influence of Christianity can be seen in various aspects of Irish culture, including art, literature, music, and religious practices. Therefore, it is accurate to say that Christianity played a huge role in Irish culture.

4. An old Irish tradition is "drowning the shamrock." It refers to:

A farming custom

A scholarly custom

A drinking custom

A family custom

At the end of the day, men would throw the shamrocks they had been wearing in their hats into a mug of grog, drink from the mug, then take the wet shamrock and throw it over their left shoulder. The mug was called a "Pota Padraig" which is Gaelic for the pot of Patrick.

Explanation

At the end of the day, men would throw the shamrocks they had been wearing in their hats into a mug of grog, drink from the mug, then take the wet shamrock and throw it over their left shoulder. The mug was called a "Pota Padraig" which is Gaelic for the pot of Patrick.

5. What river is dyed green each year for the St. Patrick's Day celebration?

Connecticut River

Chicago River

Mississippi River

Des Moines River

The correct answer is the Chicago River. The river is dyed green each year for the St. Patrick's Day celebration in Chicago. This tradition started in 1962 and involves pouring a special dye into the river, turning it a vibrant shade of green. The dyeing of the river has become a popular event, attracting thousands of spectators who come to watch the transformation and enjoy the St. Patrick's Day festivities in the city.

Explanation

The correct answer is the Chicago River. The river is dyed green each year for the St. Patrick's Day celebration in Chicago. This tradition started in 1962 and involves pouring a special dye into the river, turning it a vibrant shade of green. The dyeing of the river has become a popular event, attracting thousands of spectators who come to watch the transformation and enjoy the St. Patrick's Day festivities in the city.

6. Until 1970, Irish law mandated that pubs stay closed in observance of the holiday.

True

False

Until 1970, Irish law required pubs to remain closed on the holiday. This means that it was a legal obligation for pubs to stay shut on that day. This law was in place to ensure that the holiday was observed in a solemn and respectful manner. However, after 1970, this requirement was lifted, allowing pubs to open on the holiday if they wished to do so.

Explanation

Until 1970, Irish law required pubs to remain closed on the holiday. This means that it was a legal obligation for pubs to stay shut on that day. This law was in place to ensure that the holiday was observed in a solemn and respectful manner. However, after 1970, this requirement was lifted, allowing pubs to open on the holiday if they wished to do so.

7. The first St. Patrick's Day Parade originated in Ireland.

True

False

The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in Boston in 1737.

Explanation

The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in Boston in 1737.

8. St. Patrick was Irish.

True

False

St. Patrick was British and was believed to have been born in Wales.

Explanation

St. Patrick was British and was believed to have been born in Wales.

9. March 17 is the day we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, because it is the day:

St. Patrick was born

St. Patrick died

St. Patrick was sold into slavery

St. Patrick returned to Ireland as a bishop

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17 because it is the day that St. Patrick died. This day is significant because it marks the death of St. Patrick, who is the patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick played a crucial role in spreading Christianity in Ireland and is remembered and honored on this day.

Explanation

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17 because it is the day that St. Patrick died. This day is significant because it marks the death of St. Patrick, who is the patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick played a crucial role in spreading Christianity in Ireland and is remembered and honored on this day.

10. After 2008, March 17th will not fall during Holy Week again until:

2052

2099

2125

2160

The date of March 17th will not fall during Holy Week again until the year 2160. This is because Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter Sunday, and the date of Easter changes each year based on the lunar calendar. The last time March 17th fell during Holy Week was in 2008, and it will take 152 years for the date to align with Holy Week again. Therefore, the correct answer is 2160.

Explanation

The date of March 17th will not fall during Holy Week again until the year 2160. This is because Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter Sunday, and the date of Easter changes each year based on the lunar calendar. The last time March 17th fell during Holy Week was in 2008, and it will take 152 years for the date to align with Holy Week again. Therefore, the correct answer is 2160.