St. Patrick's Day Traditions in the U.S.

In America, we like to say, "everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day" and enjoy the green beer, corned beef and cabbage, revelry and parades. On St. Patrick's Day, we'll do just that. Why do we celebrate with shamrocks, green, and tip our cups?

Do these traditions stem from Ireland's traditions or were some born in the U.S.?

What is the symbolism behind the shamrock?

The Irish history and symbolism of the shamrock runs deeper than the annual obsession with the shamrock shake in the U.S. In times of famine, people were known to eat the shamrock. The three-leaf clover was originally held sacred by the Irish Druids before St. Patrick spread Christianity throughout Ireland.

Both belief systems coveted the plant for its three leaves, representing the triad of the triple goddess to the Druids and the Holy Trinity of Christianity. Both religions saw forms of the "spirit" represented in the plant. It's believed St. Patrick used the three-leaf clover to explain the Trinity, the unity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, although there is no direct evidence. Today in the U.S. the shamrock is worn for luck and symbolizes the St. Patrick's Day holiday in secular settings.

Why do we wear green on St. Patrick's Day?

Shamrocks were some of the first bits of green boys and men wore in Ireland, dating back to at least the 17th century in Ireland. Girls wore green ribbons or crosses on their dresses. In Chicago they turn the Chicago River green to celebrate the holiday.

Did people always drink on St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day has become a drinking holiday in the U.S., which is not without its roots in Irish tradition. People would celebrate the day, which was spent in mostly a quiet and somber state and at church or with family, with a Pota Phadraig, or a "St. Patrick's Cup." The drink of choice was whiskey. The Americanized version has us drinking green beer, Guinness or our favorite beer on tap.

Why do we feast with our family on St. Patrick's Day in the U.S.?

Part of the reason behind the joy of St. Patrick's Day in the U.S. is that it gives those observing Lent a little break. On St. Patrick's Day the people of Ireland were allowed to break their fast. The traditional Irish meal of bacon and cabbage has evolved into today's corned beef and cabbage in the U.S.

What are the oldest St. Patrick's Day traditions in the U.S.?

Boston held its first St. Patrick's Day parade in 1737, which is thought to be the first St. Patrick's Day parade in the world.