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Poll: Most Americans Know Nothing About St. Patrick's Day

BOSTON (CBS) - What do you know about St. Patrick's Day?

According to a recent poll, not much, if you're like most Americans.

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A survey conducted by Harris Interactive of more than 2,000 adults found most people don't know what they're celebrating on March 17th.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports

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Here's what researchers found:

  • More than half don't know that St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.
  • Only 25-percent know that he was not born in Ireland. (He was born in Britain.)
  • 34-percent falsely believe the day marks his birthday. (It's his death.)
  • A little more than 25-percent believe St. Patrick chased all the snakes out of Ireland. (It's not true.)
  • 18-percent of respondents believe celebrating St. Patrick's Day represents the true spirit of Ireland.
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