Put on your green top hat and shamrock sunglasses, it’s that time of year again! St. Patrick’s Day 2012. It may be our last…hopefully not, but let’s celebrate big just in case.

Just a few random facts about the greenest day of the year:

1. Wearing green was actually considered unlucky in Ireland  for a long time, because according to legend, it was the color of the faeries, who would come into town and steal children who wore too much green! Wear green to avoid those sneaky pinchers, but watch out for the faeries…

2. We all know a four leaf clover is lucky. But they actually represent more than just that! The four leaves of the clover represent faith, love, hope AND luck. They are believed to represent rebirth and life because of their green coloring.

3. A new Irish pub opens in the United States every day (on average)

4. One in 161 Americans is named Patrick. That’s about two million people—more than the entire population of Ireland.

Now that you know a few conversation starters for today’s festivities, here is an excellent article about how to spend your St. Patty’s Day, if you are still looking for some inspiration: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/16/BA3Q16EE36.DTL&ao=all. Included is the Buena Vista on Hyde Street, which isn’t an Irish Pub but it’s the first place where Irish coffee was introduced to the United States! This is a historical site. Pay homage if you get a chance. Also, O’Reilley’s at 622 Green St, Kennedy’s Irish Pub at 1040 Columbus Ave, and Maggie McGarry’s on upper Grant Avenue are excellent choices for this special day.

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