That green theme has everything to do with the “Emerald Isle.” The green from the Irish flag and the green shamrocks made it the most popular color to associate with the holiday. If you happen to hear people saying orange is just as good for the day they might not be wrong. If you look at the colors of the Irish flag you’ll see green, white and orange. Catholic Irish wear green, Protestant Irish wear orange, and those sporting just white might be trying to keep the peace between the two. I think I’ll stick with green! Legend has it that if you’re wearing green, the leprechauns can’t come around pinching you because they can’t see you!
Of course, there are those who just pin a shamrock to their shirt and call it a day. Some people associate shamrocks with the 4-leaf clovers that represent luck. That’s not quite right. The shamrock is actually the 3-leaf clover that St. Patrick used to explain the holy trinity. That’s why you’ll often see the 3-leaf version in the Celtic knot crosses. It was one way to get the idea across!
Now, no holiday is complete without food and this one is no exception. Corn beef and cabbage is the staple meal for anyone looking to stick to traditions. Because at the time St. Patrick’s Day was picking up speed in America, the Irish weren’t the most affluent group of citizens, beef and cabbage were big splurges for special days. Thanks to the early celebrations, it’s still the go-to dish for those who want to stay in touch with their roots.
If you and your spouse are going out to celebrate Irish style tonight, please remember to be safe! Most commands issue a safe-ride card of sorts for military members to use if they find themselves in a situation where they shouldn’t get behind the wheel and can’t afford to get home.
Most importantly, remember to wear green today.
Cheers!
St. Patrick’s Day Irish Toast:
“When we drink, we get drunk.
When we get drunk, we fall asleep.
When we fall asleep, we commit no sin.
When we commit no sin, we go to heaven.
So, let’s all get drunk, and go to heaven!”
