The green explosion and festivities really do have a deep heritage and meaning. St. Patrick’s Day is a global celebration starting as a religious celebration in the 17th century to commemorate the life of Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. The “Feast Day” always took place on the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death, which was believed to be March 17 461 AD. The Christian people held a great feast for which Lenten food and alcohol restrictions were temporarily removed, which is why drinking has become synonymous with the holiday.
Wear all the shades of green on this day because according to the folklore, you get pinched on St. Paddy’s Day for not wearing green. But if you wear the poplar green that day, you will be invisible to the Leprechauns. And the question might be after how many green brews does anyone see a Leprechaun? They are known to be tricksters and not easily trusted, but lucky you might be, if you capture one, you can barter your freedom with three wishes.
May the luck of the Irish be with you.
Happy St. Patrick Day!
~ Teresa Khanna