5 proud St. Patrick’s Day traditions

5+proud+St.+Patrick%E2%80%99s+Day+traditions

Carley Nail

Shamrocks

These three-leafed clovers are always used to decorate for St. Patrick’s Day. In 1729 the Irish cleric Caleb Threlkeld declared the shamrock as the Irish national symbol. But before then, the Irish wore shamrocks to dress up their church outfits. The wearing of shamrocks started in the 1600s because the plant was cheap and readily available. Now, it’s worn by many to celebrate the holiday.

Leprechauns

Although the most known leprechaun is the mascot for Lucky Charms, Lucky the Leprechaun is probably not a realistic representation of these magical creatures. Irish legend says that if you capture a leprechaun they have to grant you three wishes to receive their freedom. Leprechauns are also associated with treasure. But they’re known for being tricksters. You may not always get what you ask for.

 

 

 

 

Wearing Green

If you don’t want to be pinched on St. Patrick’s Day, you need to add some green into your wardrobe. It’s said that leprechauns cannot see the color green.  So if you wear green, they won’t be able to see you or pinch you. This has turned into the tradition that many follow by wearing green. If you happen to forget to wear green, be careful and watch out for those who might pinch you.

 

Kiss Me, I’m Irish

Free kisses to the Irish on March 17. “Kiss me, I’m Irish” may sound like an odd thing to say, but it dates back to an old Irish legend. This legend says that if you kiss the Blarney Stone that you will gain the gift of eloquent speaking and charm. The famous stone is found in the Blarney Castle in Ireland. Most people aren’t able to make this trip, so kissing someone Irish is a close alternative.

 

 

 

 

Green Chicago River

Some cities take celebrating St. Patrick’s Day to a whole new level. You have to be dedicated to turn a river green. Chicago has been dying their river green since 1962 when they first dyed the water to trace illegal sewage discharges. Afterward, they realized the color change is a great way to celebrate the holiday. They put 40 pounds of vegetable dye into the water and it remains green for several hours.