About Magazines Covington to Madison - March 2017 | Page 14

ABOUT How to VALENTINES be Irish on St . & Patrick WEDDINGS ’ s Day

This year on Friday , March 17th marks the annual St . Patrick ’ s Day tradition where everyone is Irish for the day ! You don ’ t have to be Irish to appreciate the symbolism of wearing green , looking for lucky shamrocks , and dressing as a leprechaun . If you have ever wondered how to be Irish , here are a few St . Patrick ’ s Day traditions :
Wear green . You might not know that early Irish immigrants to the United States wore blue but it ’ s easier to relate green to the “ Emerald Isles ”. The green color has been associated with the Irish since the 1600 ’ s after the green harp flag became representative of Catholicism and republicanism . As early as 1680 , green ribbons and shamrocks were worn on St . Patrick ’ s Day . Legend has it that wearing green on this day makes you invisible and leprechauns can ’ t pinch you because they can ’ t see you !
Dress like a leprechaun . The leprechaun is a symbol for St . Patrick ’ s Day . They are not your typical fairies but instead these little men are crotchety , solitary , yet mischievous creatures . They stored away their treasures in pots at the end of the rainbow . In folklore , if you catch a Leprechaun , they must lead you to their treasure .
Wear shamrocks . Native to Ireland , it is said that St . Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity of Father , Son , and the Holy Spirit . People of many nationalities , not just the Irish , believe the shamrock brings good luck . Wear a lucky
shamrock and you might just have some Irish luck !
Celebrate with a parade . Whether you are a participant or an onlooker , a St . Patrick ’ s Day Parade and festival is just as traditional as wearing green and shamrocks . What started out as a feast day for St . Patrick , the patron saint of Ireland , has become a day for anyone to let loose and have a bit of fun .
Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage . Well , it is not actually a traditional Irish meal but it was one of the meals the Irish-Americans ate . The Irish are well known for salting their meat , especially pork . Pork in the 19th Century was expensive . Corned beef was a close substitute at a reasonably affordable price in the US for immigrants to salt .
Being Irish can take a lot of work . And there are many traditions and big celebrations for being Irish all around the world on St . Patrick ’ s Day . Wherever you go on this day , have fun !