Most people just consider March 17, or St. Patrick’s Day, an excuse to deck out in green and give people who aren’t wearing the color a pinch. However, the holiday was created to celebrate St. Patrick and has been around for over 1,000 years.

Although he wasn’t Irish, Saint Patrick was known as the Apostle of Ireland, and spread Christianity to the people of the country.

So, why do people wear the color green on this day? Green is the color of the shamrock, which St. Patrick used to represent the trinity. He actually didn’t wear green, but was known to be decked out in blue. Green is also used to represent the landscape of Ireland.

Why March 17^th? It’s celebrated on March 17^th simply because it’s believed that St. Patrick died on this day.

Other interesting facts:

• The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in the United States on March 17, 1762, when Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City.
• Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional St. Patrick’s Day dish.
• More than 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the United States.

Some famous celebrations that will be taking place today include New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and dyeing the Chicago River green.

Want to know more? Watch videos and read more here: http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day