Following are some things to remember about St. Patrick’s Day, March 17:

1. St. Patrick’s original name was Patricius, and experts believe he was born in Wales or Scotland, not Ireland.

2. The original color associated with St. Patrick was blue, not green.

3. St. Patrick’s Day was an alcohol-free holiday in Ireland until the mid-1970s.

4. The shamrock was used by St. Patrick to symbolize the Christian Holy Trinity. St. Patrick was also responsible for the Celtic cross which was created by blending the pagan sign of the sun with the Christian cross.

5. Guinness stout, arguably the beer of choice for St. Paddy’s Day celebrations around the world, has fewer calories than a pint of low-fat milk or even orange juice.