As the saying goes, everyone’s Irish on March 17.

Saint Patrick’s Day is the most widely celebrated holiday around the globe. Millions of people gather annually for parades, green beer and festive Irish fare, all in the name of Ireland’s foremost patron saint. But how much do you really know about the holiday?

Here are six facts about Saint Patrick, Ireland, and their infamous holiday.

1. Saint Patrick wasn’t Irish.

That’s right – Saint Patrick was actually born in Britain. He arrived in Ireland at age 16, after being kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery. He spent six years herding sheep before managing to escape back to England.

2. Ditch the green – wear blue!

It’s common to associates green with all things Irish, but the country’s first national color was blue. This hue was adopted after several ancient artworks depicted Saint Patrick in blue vestments. Green took over in popularity due to the country’s nickname, The Emerald Isle, but the Irish Presidential Standard is still blue.

3. St. Patrick’s Day started in…. America?!

While Ireland did have a religious observance honoring Saint Patrick, the official holiday as we know it now was created in the US. Irish immigrants faced severe discrimination during the mid-19^th century, and began organizing heritage celebrations to combat the hate. Ireland continued to observe St. Patrick’s Day as a dry holiday until 1970 – the year it was declared a national holiday.

4. The shamrock isn’t the national symbol of Ireland.

Shamrocks do have a place in Irish history – just not as the official symbol. Ireland’s national emblem is a Celtic harp. This gold and silver instrument dates to the 16^th century when King Henry VIII featured it on currency. The harp also appeared on several flags prior to adopting the tri-colored one flown today.

5. Saint Patrick wasn’t named Patrick.

Can you believe it? Ireland’s beloved patron saint was not born as Patrick. His real name was Maewyn Succat, but later changed it to Patricius (where Patrick derives from) after being ordained. St. Maewyn Succat’s Day doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.

6. Corned beef and cabbage isn’t a traditional Irish meal.

As it turns out, this dish is about as Irish as taco salad is Mexican. This variation of a Celtic meal, which traditionally included pork and potatoes, was started by the Irish immigrants in New York City. Early Emerald Isle settlers were forced to live on a tight budget and often chose ingredients based on cost. Cured and cooked much like Irish bacon, corned beef was a tasty cheap alternative to pork, and cabbage was much more cost-effective than potatoes.