Luck of the Irish

It is one of my favorite holidays today!  St. Patrick's Day!  My Great Grandmother would be so upset if we did not honor our heritage by dressing in green so even though she has passed I preserve her memory and dress my daughter and I in green every year. So today I want to share a little bit about this day, why we wear green, and what NOT to wear on St. Patrick's Day!

Today is to celebrate St. Patrick bringing Christianity to Ireland.  He used shamrocks (three leaf clovers) to describe the Holy Trinity to pagans which is one of the reasons shamrocks are hugely used during festivals and celebrations across the world.  Did you know it is not a legal holiday in the United States?? Despite this many cities have parades and festivals anyway.  The oldest civilian parade in the USA is actually the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York. And don't be surprised if you see the Chicago River have a green tint today! Though the holiday has turned into somewhat of a drunken revelry (Green beer anyone?)  many Irish Americans still celebrate the holiday with its original intentions- a feast day in recognition of St. Patrick. 

In America we wear green so that we don't get pinched by leprechauns.  I'm not exactly sure when that started to be honest but everyone knows that leprechauns are mischievous little fairies that sometimes will mend shoes.  They aren't in the business pinching. (But better safe than sorry right?) The wearing of green began to honor Ireland (Emerald Isle), the shamrock, and to celebrate the beginning of Spring.

When it comes to fashion on St. Patrick's day obviously green is the key.  Try to use green accessories such as heels, jewelry, or scarves to show your love of Ireland instead of a "Kiss Me I'm Irish" t-shirt. Or this gem:

Just no.

So on St. Paddy's Day (Never Patty... seriously.) have fun, be safe, and be on the look out for pots of gold.