St. Patrick's Day

There are several beloved traditions, like St. Patrick's Day, that we continue to celebrate without knowing the purpose or meaning behind. Born in 387 A.D, Saint Patrick served as a Roman-British Christian missionary in the 5th century and continues to represent the Irish nation in more ways than one. He is not only known as the “Apostle of Ireland” but is the official patron saint of Ireland as well.

Here’s a look at a few of the most iconic traditions we continue for the luck of the Irish.

1. Corned Beef and Cabbage: As a substitute for bacon, the Irish-American immigrants used corned beef in the late 19th century as a variant of the Irish dish for bacon and cabbage.

2. Leprechauns: Unlike the adorable redhead who has graced the Lucky Charms cereal for decades, leprechauns, or “lobaircins,” are actually male fairies from Irish mythology who are said to have inhabited the nation before the Celts arrived. They serve as cobblers or shoemakers who are notorious for mischief, and according to legend, if you hold eye-contact with him, he cannot escape your presence until the gaze is broken.

3. Shamrocks: Commonly referred to as three-leafed clovers that are native to Ireland. Therefore, it was chosen as the national emblem because St. Patrick used the emblem to represent the doctrine of the biblical Trinity.

4. The Pinching: Did you forget your green shirt or accessory on March 17th, only to find yourself being pinched all day at work? Well, this tradition originated from the Irish immigrants who believed that wearing green made you invisible to leprechauns, who would pinch anyone they could see. So pinching those who weren’t wearing green would remind them the leprechauns might sneak up on them!

So until next St. Paddy’s Day, “May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.”