March 17 marks the day of the Roman Catholic feast in honor of Saint Patrick, and also celebrates Irish culture. Saint Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland who converted thousands of people to Christianity and built churches all across Ireland. He used shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity and wrote many Confessions to God. But just how well do we know about this holiday?

Saint Patrick was not Irish.

He originally lived in Roman Britain. When he was 14, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish pirates and was made a slave to tend and herd sheep. He escaped when he was 20 due to a dream with a message from God telling him to leave for Ireland.

The color green is not associated with St. Patty’s Day.

The Order of St. Patrick is the National Order for Ireland. The Knights in the Order of St. Patrick actually wore blue, not green. Supporters of independence for Ireland claimed the color green to represent them.

Saint Patrick didn’t drive snakes out of Ireland.

As the legend goes, Saint Patrick was on a 40-day fast when the snakes attacked him and he drove all the snakes of Ireland into the sea. But according to Nigel Monaghan from the National Museum of Ireland, there’s no evidence that snakes even existed in the area. Due to the most recent ice age, Ireland was too cold for the species.

Leprechauns don’t have anything to do with the holiday.

Leprechauns originate from Irish folktale. They’re described as harmless, small, shoemaking fairies who will grant you three wishes if you catch one. Other sources disagree and believe they are evil, drink too much and pull harmful pranks on humans. There’s no real proof that leprechauns are connected to St. Patrick’s Day.

March 17 was the day Saint Patrick died.

Many people believe the reason Saint Patrick’s day is celebrated is because of his birthday, but that’s not quite the case. The Saint actually died on March 17, and as a result, a feast is held in their honor.

Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated all around the world.

In America, Chicago dyes their river green each year, but only for a few hours to reduce environmental damage. Japan puts on a huge parade, which started in 1922, introducing Ireland to Japanese people. Even Russia celebrates the holiday with a military-style parade and a Moscow Irish Week from March 12 to 23. Although it is not a legal holiday, many people all over the world celebrate St. Patty’s Day, even those not of Irish decent.