A Little Green, a Little Luck, and a Happy St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day arrives every March with plenty of green, shamrocks, parades, good food, and more than a few claims of Irish luck.
Celebrated on March 17, the holiday honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. What began as a religious feast day has evolved into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and heritage.
And, of course, everything turns green.
People wear green clothing, buildings glow green, rivers sometimes turn green, and foods that have absolutely no business being green suddenly become green for the day.
Shamrocks, Four-Leaf Clovers, and a Little Luck
Although they're often confused, the traditional symbol of St. Patrick's Day is the three-leaf shamrock, not the four-leaf clover.
According to tradition, St. Patrick used the three leaves of the shamrock to explain the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity.
The four-leaf clover has a different tradition. Because it is relatively uncommon, finding one has long been associated with good luck. Over time, the two symbols have become intertwined in many modern St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Either way, I'll happily accept any extra luck someone wants to send my direction.
Food, Family, and Celebration
Food has also become a big part of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, particularly here in the United States.
Irish soda bread, potatoes, stews, and other hearty dishes often make their way onto the table. Corned beef and cabbage has become especially associated with Irish-American St. Patrick's Day celebrations, even though its history is more Irish-American than traditionally Irish.
For adults who choose to drink, Irish beer and whiskey frequently join the celebration as well. As always, celebrate responsibly.
Then there are the parades.
Cities around the world celebrate with music, dancers, floats, flags, and streets filled with people wearing every possible shade of green. Some celebrations are enormous, while others are little more than families and friends getting together and having fun.
Both count.
More Than One Day of Green
Behind all the green clothing and festivities is an opportunity to learn a little more about Ireland itself—its history, music, literature, traditions, folklore, and the generations of Irish immigrants who carried pieces of their culture with them around the world.
You certainly don't have to be Irish to enjoy St. Patrick's Day.
Wear something green.
Eat something delicious.
Listen to some Irish music.
Spend time with people you enjoy.
And if you happen to find a four-leaf clover along the way, maybe hang on to it.
Most of us could use a little extra luck now and then.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Sláinte!
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