Irish Eyes Are Smiling: Celebrating St. Patrick's Day
Irish by birth or Irish at heart, let the shenanigans begin!
Written By Catherine Tarbet-Webb for My Local Utah
Though the holiday started in Ireland, it’s been imported by Irish immigrants, and you can find pub crawls, parades, and more around the United States. Perhaps most notably, there are green drinks and St. Patrick’s Day foods, from Guinness Beef stew to Irish coffee drinks, that will make for a festive celebration. These St. Patty’s Day traditions are tied to this lively Irish holiday, a global phenomenon filled with fun traditions, quirky misconceptions, and plenty of silly trivia. So, grab your lucky clover, and let’s dive into the pot of gold that is St. Patrick’s Day!
The Luck of the Irish?
Ah, the luck of the Irish – but is it really about luck, or just a sprinkle of Celtic charm? Contrary to popular belief, the phrase “luck of the Irish” actually originated during the gold and silver rush in the United States, where Irish miners were deemed lucky for their success in finding precious metals. So, the next time you hear someone mention the luck of the Irish, remember – it’s more about perseverance and hard work than a four-leaf clover!
Shamrocks and Shenanigans
Speaking of clovers, St. Patrick’s Day is only complete with the iconic shamrock. According to legend, St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish during his mission to convert them to Christianity. Today, wearing a shamrock has become a symbol of Irish pride and a fashionable accessory for St. Paddy’s Day revelers worldwide. Just be careful not to mistake it for a four-leaf clover – that’s a different level of luck!
Green Everything!
One of St. Patrick’s Day’s most delightful aspects is the green sea that floods the streets, pubs, and parties. From green beer to green rivers, it seems like everything gets a festive emerald makeover on March 17th. But did you know that blue was the original color associated with St. Patrick’s? It was in the 19th century that green became the official hue of the holiday, thanks to its connection to the lush landscapes of the Emerald Isle. So, whether you’re donning a leprechaun hat or sipping on a green smoothie, just remember – it’s all in the spirit of St. Paddy’s Day fun!
Irish Toasts and Trivia
No St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without a few Irish toasts and a dash of trivia. Did you know that the longest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world occurs in New York City, stretching over 1.5 miles of festive revelry? The shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on the world’s shortest street in everyday operational use, Bridge Street. This parade is only 98 feet long, but you better believe it’s filled with all the fun and Irish spirit! Or how about the fact that St. Patrick wasn’t even Irish – he was born in Britain? Let’s not forget about the traditional Irish blessing: “May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, and may the sun shine warm upon your face.” So, raise a glass to the Emerald Isle and toast to the joy of St. Paddy’s Day!
Marching Mayhem in Manhattan
Parade fanatic? The Big Apple goes big with the holiday’s largest parade worldwide, attracting 2 million attendees and featuring about 150,000 dancers, musicians, and more. This New York City tradition has been in place since 1762, making its run longer than the United States has been a country. The parade is regarded as the most popular in New York City, and it is a special celebration for Saint Patrick, the patron saint of the Archdiocese of New York and Ireland. The New York Parade consists of marchers and hosts some 250,000 marchers and two million spectators annually.
The Emerald River: A Colorful Tradition
The mighty Chicago River, usually a teal shade of blue, suddenly transforms into a vibrant emerald green. This annual tradition has become synonymous with the Windy City. Every year, for St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago gathers along the riverfront to witness the colorful metamorphosis. It all started in 1962 when a Plumbers Union decided to dye a small portion of the river green to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day. Fast forward to today, and the tradition has grown into a full-blown extravaganza, attracting thousands of spectators from near and far. Using harmless vegetable dye, a team navigates the river in boats, carefully pouring gallons of green dye into the water.
Caribbean’s Celtic Connection
One tiny Caribbean island stands out for its fervent devotion to St. Patrick’s Day – the lush and vibrant Montserrat. The citizens don’t just celebrate the day; the festivities last ten days. A little-known fact is that Irish refugees founded it. It’s one of the only places in the world where St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday outside of Ireland. The Irish are a big deal in Montserrat, and visitors’ passports are stamped with a shamrock in tribute to their Irish history. Everyone engages in traditions that combine Irish and African history.
A Southern Hemisphere Tribute
The Sydney Opera House takes center stage in the southern hemisphere as it swaps its usual white sails for a shimmering emerald hue. Perched majestically on the shores of Sydney Harbour, this architectural masterpiece becomes a beacon of Irish pride, casting its verdant glow far and wide across the Australian metropolis. As locals and tourists alike are in awe at the illuminated spectacle, The area will transform into an Irish village featuring local food vendors, craft stalls, and live musical performances.
A New York Icon Goes Green
Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, the Empire State Building stands tall amidst the bustling streets of New York City, proudly decked out in its St. Patrick’s Day finest. Rising high above the iconic Manhattan skyline, this towering symbol of American ingenuity is transformed into a towering beacon of green, casting its radiant glow across the city that never sleeps.
A Touch of Green on the Thames
Crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the historic Tower Bridge of London undergoes an enchanting metamorphosis as it is bathed in a luminous green light. Spanning the majestic River Thames, this iconic bridge becomes a dazzling focal point amidst the bustling streets of the British capital. As Londoners and visitors stroll along the riverbanks, they are captivated by the bridge’s ethereal glow, a stunning tribute to Ireland’s patron saint.
From Paris to Dubai: A Worldwide Celebration
But the global green phenomenon doesn’t stop there – from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, landmarks of all shapes and sizes join in the festivities, casting their radiant glow across cityscapes far and wide. It’s a truly awe-inspiring sight that serves as a powerful reminder of the universal appeal of St. Patrick’s Day and the enduring influence of Irish culture on a global scale.
A Kaleidoscope of Green
It’s a dazzling display of unity, pride, and solidarity that transcends borders and brings people together to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint and the rich tapestry of Irish culture. So, whether you find yourself beneath the glowing lights of a famous landmark or simply basking in the warmth of your community’s festivities, take a moment to marvel at the magical transformation and join in the global celebration of all things Irish. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! So, whether you’re Irish by birth or Irish at heart, don your finest green attire, raise a toast to St. Paddy, and let the shenanigans begin! Sláinte