Saint Patrick's Day (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig) is a religious holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It is named after Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the most commonly recognised of the patron saints of Ireland. It is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland),[1] the Eastern Orthodox Church and Lutherans. Saint Patrick's Day was made an official feast day in the early 17th century, and has gradually become a celebration of Irish culture in general. (source: wikipedia)
Huh, so why do we wear green?
Wearing of the green
Originally, the color associated with Saint Patrick was blue. Over the years the color green and its association with Saint Patrick's day grew.[10] Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick's Day as early as the 17th century.[11] He is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish, and the wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a ubiquitous feature of the day.[12][13] In the 1798 rebellion, in hopes of making a political statement, Irish soldiers wore full green uniforms on 17 March in hopes of catching public attention.[10] The phrase "the wearing of the green", meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing, derives from a song of the same name. (source: wikipedia)So, why do we pinch people not wearing green?
According to WikiAnswers:
Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle. Green is traditionally worn on St. Patrick's day to honor the Emerald Isle. Tradition holds that on that day, people who do not wear green are pinched as a reminder to wear green to honor the Emerald Isle.
Huh, so who knew?;0) Here's wishing everyone a happy and safe St. Patty's day! I'll be thinking of the history associated with the fun as I munch Shepherd's Pie (prepared by my sister) this evening! ;0)
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