St. Patrick's Day Customs and Traditions

The first thoughts that come to people's minds when thinking of St. Patrick's Day are often alcohol and the color green. However, there are many more customs and traditions to be celebrated on March 17th each year, and the Irish and those Irish-for-the-day will both be sure to enjoy them!

Alcohol

The Irish seem to be well-known for their love of imbibing alcohol, and on their international holiday, there is no exception. The Irish and non-Irish alike often gather at the local Irish pub for pints of Irish beer, such as Guinness, Harp, Murphys, or Smithwicks, often dyed green for the holiday celebration! Or for those who prefer liquor, a common St. Patrick's day mixed drink of choice is the Irish Car Bomb - a combination of Guinness stout, Bailey's Irish cream, and Jameson Irish whiskey. Guinness is first poured in a glass, and then a shot mixed of equal parts Bailey's and Jameson is dropped into the Guinness. Imbibers are forced to chug this drink down fast, so it doesn't curdle! For those who want a pick-me-up, along with their liquor, Irish coffee is often the drink of choice, usually laced with an Irish whiskey, such as Jameson, or Bailey's if that's your cup of tea (or in this case, coffee).

Green

Since Ireland is often referred to as the Emerald Isle, it is no surprise that St. Patrick's Day is celebrated with pretty much everything green - from the green beer to the green clothing to the green river in Chicago! Green is one of the three colors of Ireland's flag and was used in other revolutionary flags in Ireland throughout the ages. Now about that unusual custom in Chicago: It is said that pollution-control workers, in 1962, had dyed the river green in order to show sewage discharges, which were illegal. Then, the workers, decided that this would be a delightful way to really celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and the tradition has goneon ever since.

Symbols

Two symbols often seen on St. Patrick's Day decor and outfits are shamrocks and four-leaf clovers. This custom dates back to both religion and nature. The (3-leaf) shamrock was said to illustrate the Christian Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and was used to convert pagans to Christianity, which links us back to St. Patrick. These are also commonly found throughout the Irish countryside, thus illustrating the nature of the Emerald Isle. Four-leaf clovers, although often considered lucky, also have other representation. The four leaves are said to represent for things: love, hope, faith, and happiness.

Another popular symbol of St. Patrick's Day is the Leprechaun. This custom stems from Irish mythology and folklore. Leprechaun's are male faeries that were said to have lived in Ireland prior to the Celts. They are usually depicted as old men, often shoemakers or cobblers, who enjoy the thrill of mischief.

Food

Traditional St. Patrick's Day dinner often includes the likes of Corned Beef and Cabbage, Shepherd's Pie, Irish Soda Bread, Irish Stew, and sometimes even green foods, of course accompanied by your Irish alcoholic beverage of choice!

Parades

St. Patrick's day is a much celebrated holiday throughout the world, especially the United States, and for any major holiday, there are usually numerous parades. A popular location is Chicago, with their river being dyed green in celebration. However, the longest-running St. Patrick's Day parade can be found in New York City. If these places are a bit far to travel for you, there is likely a St. Patrick's Day parade in a nearby city or even many small towns.

With all of the customs and traditions surrounding St. Patrick's Day, you are bound to feel festive! So, put on your green sweater, gather some recipes, stock up on some Guinness and green food coloring, and invite a crowd over after the local St. Patrick's Day parade!

Sources:

http://www.holidays.net/stpattys/customs.htm

http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/holidays/st_patricks_day.htm

http://holidays.kaboose.com/saint-patricks-day/history/patrick-history-traditions-symbols.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leprechaun