Fascinating St. Patrick Facts

* St. Patrick was born in Britian, not Ireland, and stout may be good for your heart!!

* In Ireland, they consider wearing the color green on St. Patrick's Day to be "unlucky".

* Patrick was kidnapped by pirates at the age of 16 and sold into slavery in Ireland. During the 6 years he spent in captivity, he began to have religious visions, and found strength in his faith. He finally escaped and went to France, where he became a priest and later a bishop.

* Patrick's real name is believed to be Macwyn Succat. He adopted the name Patrick, or Patricus, after he became a priest.

* Little is known about St. Patrick, including his birth and death dates. March 17 is traditionally considered to be one of the two, although there is no documentation to corroborate this.

* There were NEVER any snakes, or reptiles for that matter, in Ireland for St. Patrick to chase out.

* The phrase, "Erin Go Braugh" means Ireland Forever!

* The Irish toast "Slainte'!", pronounced SLAN-cha, means "health".