St. Patrick’s Day is a day in which people celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick was a British Roman born in the late fourth century. He was made a slave at the age of 16 when he was kidnapped. He later escaped and returned home with over 400 to convert the Irish to Christianity. People wear green attire and accessories as well as shamrocks (a three-leaved plant) on this holiday. This is because St. Patrick was said to have used a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish. This national holiday has been celebrated for many years all across the world.

There are many celebrities that observe St. Patrick’s Day or have Irish ancestors. Here are just a few you many have not known about:

1. Gwen Stefani

Gwen’s mother, Patti Flynn is of Irish decent.

2. Rio Ferdinand

Rio's mother is Irish.

3. Tom Hardy

Tom’s grandmother was from Ireland.

4. Harrison Ford

Harrison is half-Irish on his dad’s side of the family.

5. Anna Friel

Anna has an Irish father.

6. Barrack Obama

Barrack’s great-great grandfather came to America from Ireland in the 1850’s.

7. Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer's great-grandmother is of the Irish decent.

8. Charlie Sheen

Charlie’s father is an Irish citizen.

If you are free during this week or even on this weekend you can go to one of the many St. Patrick’s Day parades in New Orleans, New York City, Chicago, or any other near you.

New Orleans St. Patty’s Day will have music, floats, and other celebratory traditions. This annual parade will take place throughout the week with all different types of activities. For more information visit www.stpatricksdayneworleans.com/paradeinfo....

New York City St. Patty’s Day will have music, floats, celebrities, and other celebratory traditions. This annual parade will take place on March 17 starting at 11 a.m. It can be viewed along 5^th Avenue between 44^th Street and 79^th Street. The first parade took place March 17, 1762 and is one of the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the world. For more information visit www.nycstpatricksparade.org

This annual Chicago St. Patty’s Day parade will take place on March 12. This year, 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal will be Illinois Speaker of the House, Michael J. Madigan. For more information visit www.chicagostpatsparade.com

Now you know some new facts about St. Patricks Day that you can share with friends and family! Enjoy the day, go to the parades, and don't forget to wear green!!!!