5 Secret St. Patrick’s Day Traditions UNKNOWN to Southern Folk

People who live in Texas, Arizona, or New Mexico probably never heard about these 5 lesser known Saint Patrick's Day traditions.

St. Patrick's Day, also known as the Feast of St. Patrick, is celebrated annually on March 17th.

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It's a holiday, celebrated around the world, honoring the patron saint of Ireland... You know... PATRICK.

Places that have a large Irish population, like New York City, have HUGE parades.

But, if you live in the southwestern part of the United States, more likely than not, you're going to be unfamiliar with the cooler Irish activities.

Just as a reminder, the plain ol' boring St. Patrick's Day traditions include:

-Wearing Green: It is considered the national color of Ireland.

-Parades: The largest and most famous one is in Dublin, Ireland.

-Drinking: Enough said.

-Shamrocks: Apparently, St. Patrick used the three-leafed plant to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish people.

-Corned Beef and Cabbage: In the United States, but weirdly not Ireland, it is traditional to eat corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day.

-Irish Dancing: Irish dancing is an important part of being Lord(s) of the Dance.

-Religious Observances: St. Patrick's Day is a, rarely remembered, religious holiday.

But, why be ordinary when you can be extra- f******-ordinary this St. Patrick's Day by showing off for friends and having fun with several UNIQUE St. Patrick's Day practices?

Here are 5 lesser well-known, but still fun, traditions to celebrate St Patrick's Day AND impress those you seek validation from:

1. Drowning the Shamrock:

This is an old Irish custom where a shamrock is put at the bottom of a glass of whiskey, beer, or cider, and then guzzled as a sacred toast to St. Patrick.

The leaf is then removed and thrown over the left shoulder for good luck.

2. St. Patrick's Day Crosses:

In some parts of Ireland, it is customary to make a St. Patrick's Day cross out of vines or reeds.

The crosses are then hung around your home for protection and some good Irish luck.

3. Leprechaun Traps:

Some kiddos in Ireland and the United States build leprechaun traps in the hopes of catching a leprechaun and getting a pot of gold, or his Lucky Charms.

The traps are often decorated with green and gold colors and may include a small gift or treat for the leprechaun.

4. Green River:

Chicago, famously, dyes the Chicago River green every year on St. Patrick's Day.

The tradition started in 1962 when a group of plumbers used green dye to trace sewage leaks in the river.

It has since become an incredibly gross and popular tradition and attracts thousands of spectators.

5. Irish Proverbs and Blessings:

Irish proverbs and blessings are often shared on St. Patrick's Day.

Some examples include "May the road rise up to meet you," and "May the luck of the Irish be with you."

Let me know how you're celebrating St Patrick's Day this year at nico@klaq.com