St. Patrick's Day is named after an Irish patron saint, although he was not actually born Irish. All his services throughout Ireland in the fifth century were highly appreciated and respected. A few of the most popular symbols related to St. Patrick's Day are four leaf clovers, leprechauns, a pot of gold and green beer.
St. Patrick's Day Symbols
With every holiday, there are symbols that are associated with the festivities and celebrations of the day. St. Patrick's Day has a few well-known symbols.
- Shamrock: The shamrock was used by St. Patrick to show a visual to the non-believers what the trinity stood for: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. (there are three leafs on a shamrock)
- Leprechauns: This symbol came from the fairies paying the little men, or leprechauns, for work with golden coins. The coins were held in a pot, which is where the "pot of gold" saying originates.
- Green: Many people may wonder what the big deal is with the color green on St. Patrick's Day. The superstition of the color is if someone is not wearing green he or she will be pinched. Small school children actually created this famous act. The real reason for the color green is that Ireland is known as being so beautiful and green even during the cold weather.
- The Luck of the Irish: The tradition of the Irish is to find a four-leaf clover, kiss the Blarney stone, avoid getting pinched, and possibly catch a leprechaun. It has been said that if someone listens closely for the sound of a hammer, then there is probably a leprechaun nearby.
Green Beer
Everyone is aware of the tradition of drinking green beer on St. Patrick's Day. It is necessary for adults! The majority of restaurants and bars will dye their beer for this special occasion. If staying at home, then anyone can concoct green beer on his or her own.
- Pour a glass or pitcher of beer, whichever is appropriate for the quantity of people
- Add 4-6 drops of green food coloring to the beer and watch it turn green.
- Green beer is now available and ready to drink!
There really is not any one reason that people drink green beer on St. Patrick's Day. It is fun to indulge in, and everything else is green! When someone finds a four leaf clover, it is said to be very good luck. Overall, St. Patrick's Day is a time to enjoy people's company, celebrate the Irish and St. Patrick himself, as well as drink green beer. As the saying goes, "Kiss me I'm Irish!"
Sources
"Howstuffworks.com
"Holidays.kaboose.com
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