The Origins of 9 Iconic St. Patrick’s Day Customs

St. Patrick’s Day, always observed on March 17, is rich with distinctive traditions. Forgetting to wear green might earn you a pinch. You could enjoy a classic meal of corned beef and cabbage or visit a pub to savor a pint of green beer. 

But what are the roots of these traditions? Did St. Patrick influence their creation? And were these practices even born in Ireland? Let’s explore the fascinating history behind nine St. Patrick’s Day customs.

The Tradition of Wearing Green on St. Patrick’s Day

Each year, countless St. Patrick’s Day participants sport green clothing. The hue is often linked to Ireland’s lush landscapes or its national flag, weaving a compelling narrative about the tradition’s origins.

Interestingly, blue was St. Patrick’s preferred color. It wasn’t until 1641—more than a millennium after his passing—that green gained prominence in Ireland. As the Irish sought independence from British rule, they embraced green as a symbol of national pride.

The Tradition of Eating Corned Beef and Cabbage

Across the U.S., many restaurants feature corned beef and cabbage on their St. Patrick’s Day menus. This meal gained popularity in New York City and soon became a holiday favorite.

In Ireland, beef was historically scarce and costly, leading people to rely on salt pork. Even now, many in Ireland prefer the more economical option of beef brisket over corned beef and cabbage.

However, when Irish immigrants arrived in New York during the 1800s, they switched to beef. Kosher butchers supplied the meat, making it more accessible and affordable compared to pork.

Enjoying Blarney Stone Pastries

Those fortunate enough to try a Blarney Stone pastry can attest to its delightful combination of peanuts and powdered sugar, making it a beloved St. Patrick’s Day indulgence. These pastries are thought to have begun in Iowa and are especially cherished in the midwestern United States. Named after the famous limestone block in Blarney Castle, constructed in 1446, the pastry is tied to the legend that kissing the stone grants eloquence and charm to the kisser.

The Tradition of Getting Pinched for Not Wearing Green

According to folklore, leprechauns are the culprits behind the pinching tradition on St. Patrick’s Day. Wearing green is believed to render individuals invisible to these mischievous creatures, shielding them from their annoying pinches throughout the holiday. Nowadays, pinching those not wearing green is seen as a playful way to remind them to display their Irish heritage.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Celebrations

In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has traditionally been a religious observance. However, when the holiday reached America, it evolved to include parades. The inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Parade took place in New York City in 1762. Timothy Meagher, a history professor at Catholic University, notes that these parades served as a platform for Irish Americans to demonstrate their community strength and celebrate their cultural identity.

The Tradition of Drowning the Shamrock

As the night concludes, those celebrating St. Patrick’s Day immerse a shamrock in their final whiskey glass, raise a toast to the saint, and then fling the shamrock over their left shoulder to attract good fortune. This ritual is primarily performed to pay homage to St. Patrick, who is believed to have used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity in Catholicism, with its three leaves symbolizing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Tradition of Dyeing a River Green

In 1962, the Journeymen’s Plumbers Local Union 130 first colored the Chicago River green to mark St. Patrick’s Day. The dye, originally used to detect pollution in water systems, was chosen for its vibrant green shade, ideal for the festive occasion. Transforming the river requires 40 pounds of dye, maintaining its green hue for several days annually.

The Tradition of Drinking Green Beer

Long before rivers turned green, beer was being tinted with an emerald shade. Green beer made its debut in American bars in the early 20th century. This uniquely colored drink gained popularity over the years, eventually becoming a global phenomenon. The green tint is achieved by blending blue food coloring with the natural yellow tones of beer, creating a visually captivating beverage.

The Practice of Abstaining From Alcohol

While St. Patrick’s Day in America is often associated with beer, especially Guinness, it was traditionally a day of abstinence in Ireland. This stems from the fact that St. Patrick’s Day is a religious observance, intended for attending church services. As a result, Irish pubs stayed shut on this holiday until the 1970s.