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

The colour green has a long history in Ireland, ranging from historical ties to Irish nationalism to mythical lore about leprechauns and shamrocks. CREDIT: PEXELS

JAIDYN MCCRAE-WILSON

There are a few things I know to be true about St. Patrick’s Day: it’s a holiday for gathering with your friends, drinking Guinness beer, and wearing as much green as possible.

As winter nears its end, the air is electrified with the chatter of plans for March 17, and the search for finding the perfect green outfit begins. But have you ever wondered why the iconic colour has come to be so closely associated with the Irish holiday? To answer this question, we’ll need a brief history lesson.

According to History.com, the holiday began in the 17th century as a way to celebrate the life of Saint Patrick, a missionary who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. In 1631, the Catholic Church established the day he died, March 17, 461 AD, as a day for feasts in his honour. This religious holiday slowly evolved into a global celebration of general merriment, drinking with friends, and proud displays of green clothing.

Turns out, the colour green has a long history in Ireland, ranging from historical ties to Irish nationalism to mythical lore about leprechauns and shamrocks. However, this wasn’t always the colour associated with the place now known as the “Emerald Isle.” Would you believe me if I said that the original depictions of Ireland’s patron saint showed him not in green, but in blue?

According to Smithsonian Magazine, blue was chosen as the colour for the Irish coat of arms after King George III of Britain declared himself King of Ireland. Artists at the time used this national colour in their depictions of Saint Patrick, which show him wearing blue garments. The specific shade of sky blue they used became increasingly associated with him to the point that it was officially known at one time as “St. Patrick’s Blue.”

Much later, green became associated with the Irish soldiers' act of resistance against Britain, states National Geographic. From the late 18th to 20th century, the divide between the Irish people and Britain grew immensely. To clash against the red uniforms worn by British soldiers, the Irish soldiers chose to wear green.

Around this time, St. Patrick’s Day parades began to emerge and gain popularity in America. In 1848, the official St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City was created, and Irish-American immigrants took to the streets in a proud display of Irish heritage.

This is when other symbols of Irish heritage began circulating as well, such as the shamrock.

The shamrock is a threeleafed clover that over the centuries has become known as Ireland’s unofficial national flower. An age-old Irish legend says that Saint Patrick used the flower as a demonstration of the holy trinity during his attempt to bring Christianity to Ireland, states Time. com. He told non-believers that the leaves represented the father, the son, and the holy spirit; a tale that continued to circulate after his death.

History.com reports that it was later brought to America, where homesick Irish immigrants began using the image of the shamrock and the colour green at parties and gatherings, making them popular symbols to use while celebrating Irish heritage.

Speaking of Irish celebrations, have you ever gotten pinched in the midst of your merrymaking? Well, you have leprechauns to thank for that one! As the tradition states, wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who have their sights set on pinching anyone they can see.

In Irish folklore, leprechauns are actually named “lobaircin,” which roughly translates to “small-bodied fellow,” says History.com. It is said that the belief in leprechauns probably comes from the Celtic belief in fairies, small men and women whose magical powers could be used for good or evil. On March 17, it’s clear that their intentions are definitely focused on stirring up some mischief and mayhem for those who are celebrating.

The evolution of St. Patrick’s Day is an amazing commentary on how unifying celebrations can be. What began as a religious holiday in Ireland has taken root globally, allowing people all over the world to partake in cheerful displays of Irish pride.

This St. Patrick’s Day, drink that pint of green beer while wearing your brightest emerald shirt, and take comfort in knowing that you won’t be pinched by any nearby leprechauns!