Pinch Prevention: Why We Wear Green on St. Patricks Day We all know from our schoolyard days the importance of wearing green on St. Patricks Day. But just how does wearing green prevent pinches? Originally, the color blue was associated with St. Patricks Day celebrations. Over time, the color changed to green for several reasons. The color green is strongly associated with Ireland, in the colors of its flag and its well-known moniker The Emerald Isle. Of course, green is also the color of the shamrock, which symbolized the rebirth of spring in ancient Celtic culture, and was later worn on clothing to show pride in cultural heritage. So, how does wearing green protect us from getting pinched? Legend has it that if you wear green on that day, you become invisible to mischievous leprechauns. They can only sneak up on those that they can see, those unlucky enough to not be wearing green. So people started pinching others as a warning that they were visible to leprechauns. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fun Facts About St. Patricks Day: Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century and is the patron saint of Ireland, was actually born in Britain. Starting in 1962, the Chicago river is dyed green each St. Patricks Day. Over 100,000 people show up to watch. Up until the 1970s, Irish pubs were mandated by law to be closed on March 17, since it was a religious occasion. Nearly 40% of Americans say they celebrate St. Patricks Day by wearing green, eating a special meal, putting up decorations or attending a celebration. Leprechauns are shoemakers by profession and had to produce shoes for the fairies. The St. Patricks Day Parade in New York City is the biggest in the world, and was first held in 1762. The worlds shortest St. Patricks Day Parade is held in Dripsey, Ireland. The parade goes for 100 yards, the distance between the two village pubs. Corned beef only began to be associated with the holiday around the early 1900s, although cabbage has long been a part of Irish food. effiesheart/blog/149-st-patricks-day
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 01:44:59 +0000
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