As Saint Patrick’s Day has passed and the celebrations are winding down, many are settling back once more. However, many of those who celebrate the day often don’t know the origins or traditions of the holiday. Celebrated on the 17th of March, St Patrick’s Day is full of parades, good luck charms, and all things green.
Before St. Patrick’s Day was a holiday. It was a religious holiday, but over time it’s become a celebration of Irish culture. St. Patrick might be the patron saint of Ireland, but he didn’t always live in Ireland, only moving to the island when he was 16 years old when he was sent to work in the country. Shortly after he arrived, Patrick became interested in Christianity and started teaching others about the religion. He is said to have converted many of the country’s residents to Christianity and now St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on the day Patrick supposedly died.
St. Patrick was a real person, but some of the traditions associated with him and the holiday are myths. For instance, you’ll often see the four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day. However, according to legend, Patrick used a three-leaf clover, or shamrock, as part of his teachings. Even though a shamrock can grow a fourth leaf, a four-leaf clover is just considered a symbol of good luck. Another legend says that Patrick chased all the snakes out of Ireland. The creatures never actually lived in the country. Many animals found throughout Europe and North America don’t live on the island of IrelandThe fact that Ireland is an island as well as covered in green with leafy trees and grassy hills gives them the name of the Emerald Isle. But the color that people originally associated with St. Patrick’s was blue, and some ancient Irish flags even sport this color.
Green was finally introduced to St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the 18th century when the shamrock (which is, of course, green) became a national symbol. Because of the shamrock’s popularity and Ireland’s landscape, the color stuck to the holiday. The color green is that of the mythical fairies and leprechauns were speculated to dress in. However, the tales about the leprechauns date back to before green was in. The fairies were first described as wearing a red color. Leprechauns are one reason you’re supposed to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day or be at the risk of getting pinched. The tradition is tied to folklore that says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, which like to pinch anyone they can see. Some people also think sporting the color will bring good luck, and others wear it to honor their Irish ancestry. No wonder green decorations can be seen all over the Chicago River in Illinois and are even dyed green each year to celebrate the holiday. Another tradition includes many Irish-American people in the US eating corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day. People also gather to watch parades of traditional Irish dancers and musicians as they march through city streets. However you celebrate, here’s hoping it’s a lucky day!
