St. Patrick’s Day Traditions

A Brief History
It’s almost St. Paddy’s Day, me lucky charm! Summon the luck o’ the Irish by learning o’ bit about its origin, and you may even discover a new tradition to try at the end! The celebration of Irish heritage that we now know today has changed a lot since its earliest beginnings. It started as a religious holiday to celebrate Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who died on March 17 th in the fifth century. Annually, on the day of his death; which lands in the middle of Lent, the Irish would attend church, then celebrate afterward with feasting, drinking, and dancing - setting aside the rules of Lent for the day. However, it began as more of a church-centered family celebration. Not the kind of partying and debauchery that we now know and love!

Interesting Facts

• The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in the USA, not Ireland. There are now more than 100 country-wide.
• Legend has it that shamrock symbolism was tied to the holiday due to the namesake
• Saint’s use of an Irish clover to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
• The original color of St. Patrick’s Day was not BLUE, not green.
• “Lobaircin,” the original Irish name for leprechaun, is translated to mean “small-bodied fellow.”
• The original celebratory meal was bacon and cabbage. Corned beef was an adaption by Irish immigrants in America in an attempt to save money.
• Until the 1970’s, it was illegal for pubs in Ireland to remain open on St. Patrick’s Day.
• The tradition of dying the Chicago River green began in 1962.
• It’s estimated that 13 million pints of Guinness will be consumed worldwide on St. Paddy’s Day.

Unique Traditions
Everyone has heard of drinking green beer, attending a parade, wearing green, and eating corned beef (or bacon) and cabbage. We know that we must pinch anyone silly enough not to wear green, and to watch out for leprechaun pranks. Here are a few more (maybe new) ideas for your St. Paddy’s Day celebrations:

1. Drowning the Shamrock
Get your luck by drowning the shamrock! Finish your night by drowning a shamrock in a glass of whiskey (or drink of your choice). Toast to the patron saint, down the drink, then toss the plant over your left shoulder.

2. Wear Blue
Get back to the traditional roots by donning blue instead of green! St. Patrick himself is said to have worn blue, thought to pay homage to the original Irish coat of arms. But be warned, you might get pinched!

3. Stay Sober
Honor the original celebration by staying dry on March 17th. Then again, unless you don’t drink at all ever… what fun is that, really?

4. Take the Day Off
Did you know in Ireland, St Patrick’s Day is a national bank holiday? Meaning most businesses and places of work are closed. Except of course, the pubs and restaurants that were once forced to close in recognition of this day.

In essence, if you want to celebrate a more authentic St. Paddy’s Day, take a vacation day, grab yourself a blue beer and some bacon, and for God’s sake – get your sinner a** to church! ;)

Xoxo,
Lucie Mitchell, CTNC & CTLC
Lucie Mitchell & Company

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