Shamrock Shenanigans: A St. Patrick’s Day Etiquette Quiz

Every March, both the Irish and Irish at heart celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with all things green and festive. From office parties and school plays to a friend’s St. Patrick’s Day tea party, it’s a wonderful excuse to gather with family and friends. Here’s a fun little quiz you can use with your office or friends to test their knowledge of age-old St. Patrick’s Day traditions.

Shamrock Shenanigans: A St. Patrick’s Day Etiquette Quiz

1. What is associated with wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day?

a. You will receive an unexpected gift (like a pot of gold)

b. You will be invisible to the mythical fairies called leprechauns

B – Leprechauns are known for their mischievous ways, and legend has it that wearing green makes you invisible to their playful pinches!

2. St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was not born in Ireland. He was born in:

a. Britain

b. Australia

A – Though he became Ireland’s beloved patron saint, St. Patrick was actually born in Britain and was brought to Ireland as a captive before dedicating his life to spreading Christianity.

3. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on the day:

a. St. Patrick was born

b. St. Patrick died

B – March 17th marks the anniversary of St. Patrick’s passing in 461 AD, a day that has since become a worldwide celebration of Irish heritage.

4. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick’s original name was:

a. Leonard Sweeney

b. Maewyn Succat

B – Before he became known as St. Patrick, his given name was Maewyn Succat. He later took the name Patricius after becoming a priest.

5. St. Patrick’s Day is associated with “luck.” Why is a four-leaf clover considered so lucky?

a. Because chances of finding one with four leaves is about 1 in 10,000

b. Because it has a distinctive scent that is similar to lemon verbena

A – A true four-leaf clover is a rare find, which is why it has long been associated with good fortune!

6. A shamrock and a clover (three-leaf or four-leaf) are the same plant.

a. True

b. False

B – A shamrock is a three-leafed plant often linked to St. Patrick’s teachings, while a four-leaf clover is a rarity believed to bring extra luck!

7. The original color associated with St. Patrick’s Day was:

a. Blue

b. Yellow

A – Green may now be the color of the holiday, but St. Patrick was originally associated with a shade of blue! Over time, green became the dominant color due to Ireland’s nickname, “The Emerald Isle.”

8. Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional food to eat on St. Patrick’s Day in the United States, stemming from Irish immigrants in the 19th century finding corned beef and vegetables more cost-effective. Corned beef is made from:

a. Salted corn mixed together with beef

b. Brisket cured with salt

B – Despite its name, corned beef has nothing to do with corn! The “corned” refers to the large salt crystals used in the curing process.

9. Crisps are often served in an Irish pub. A bowl of crisps is a bowl of:

a. Chips

b. Dry roasted peanuts

A – In Ireland and the UK, “crisps” refer to what Americans call potato chips, while “chips” are what Americans know as French fries.

10. A traditional Irish dance is called a:

a. Trot

b. Jig

B – The Irish jig is a lively and intricate dance that has been performed for centuries, making it one of Ireland’s most iconic cultural traditions.

11. An Irish Exit, also called an Irish Farewell, means the party guest will:

a. Dance a jig with the host before leaving the party

b. Leave the party discreetly without saying goodbye to the host or fellow guests

B – Whether intentional or not, an “Irish Exit” refers to someone slipping away from a gathering without the formalities of goodbyes.

12. When giving an Irish toast, what is the equivalent word for saying “Cheers”?

a. Prost

b. Sláinte

B – Pronounced “slawn-cha,” this traditional Irish toast means “health” and is the perfect way to raise a glass in good company.

However you celebrate, may your St. Patrick’s Day be filled with joy, laughter, and a touch of Irish luck! ☘️

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