HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY

Oh, you bet your lucky shamrock I’m writing a blog about fun St. Patrick’s Day facts! Get ready for a pot of golden nuggets, from why St. Patrick’s original color was blue (what?!), to how Ireland once banned pints on Paddy’s Day (gasp!). Stay tuned—this blog is going to be more festive than a leprechaun at a céilí!

St. Patrick’s Day was historically a "dry holiday" in Ireland because it was considered a solemn religious feast day.

Alcohol Ban: From 1927 to 1979, Irish law prohibited pubs from opening on March 17th due to the holiday's religious significance.

Who Was Affected: Bars and pubs across Ireland were legally required to close, though hotels were sometimes exempt.

Change in 1979: The ban was lifted, and pubs were allowed to open, reflecting the shift of St. Patrick’s Day from a strictly religious occasion to a more festive, public celebration.

Since then, St. Patrick’s Day has become a major cultural and international event, widely associated with parades, public gatherings, and drinking.

St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain, likely in what is now Wales, around the late 4th century. He was captured by Irish raiders at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. After escaping six years later, he returned to his family. Later, he became a Christian priest and missionary and returned to Ireland to spread Christianity, where he is famously credited with converting the Irish people to Christianity.

Snakes are often cited in legend as having been driven out of Ireland by St. Patrick. However, the truth is that snakes likely never inhabited Ireland to begin with. During the last Ice Age, the climate in Ireland was too cold for snakes to survive, and as a result, they never made it to the island. The "driving out" of snakes by St. Patrick is more symbolic, representing the expulsion of pagan practices, rather than a historical event.

The first St. Patrick's Day parade actually took place in New York City, not Boston, in 1762. Irish soldiers serving in the British Army marched through the city to celebrate their heritage.

However, Boston also hosted early St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and it was home to the first recorded Irish-American St. Patrick's Day parade in 1737—but it wasn't as large or formal as the one in New York City later on.

In Ireland, the color green was once considered unlucky, despite its strong association with Irish identity today. This belief was rooted in folklore and superstition.

Fairy Folklore: Green was thought to be the color of the sí (fairies), and wearing it could attract their attention, sometimes with dangerous consequences.

Death and Misfortune: Some believed wearing green, especially at weddings, brought bad luck or even death.

Historical Associations: Before it became a national symbol, green was linked to rebellion against British rule, making it risky to wear at certain times in history.

However, over time, green became a symbol of Irish nationalism and pride, replacing its earlier negative connotations.

The original color associated with St. Patrick’s Day was blue, not green.

St. Patrick’s Blue: In early Irish history, blue was linked to St. Patrick and appeared in Irish royal and military regalia. The shade known as "St. Patrick's Blue" was used in British and Irish coats of arms.

Change to Green: Over time, green became more associated with Ireland due to its lush landscape (the "Emerald Isle"), Irish nationalism, and folklore (like the shamrock, which St. Patrick supposedly used to explain the Holy Trinity).

18th Century Shift: During the Irish Rebellion of 1798, green became a symbol of Irish identity and resistance, leading to its strong connection with St. Patrick’s Day.

Today, green is the dominant color for celebrating the holiday, but its original connection was to blue.

Can not forget my favorite  two things associated with St Patrick's Day. 😍 Jewelry and cats!  How does Jewelry and cats have to do with St Patrick's Day you ask?

Jewelry associated with St. Patrick’s Day often features Irish symbols that represent luck, heritage, and faith. Some popular types include:

1. Claddagh Ring

A traditional Irish ring featuring two hands holding a heart topped with a crown, symbolizing love, loyalty, and friendship.

Often worn as a romantic or friendship token.

2. Shamrock Jewelry

Necklaces, earrings, and brooches featuring the three-leafed shamrock, which St. Patrick supposedly used to explain the Holy Trinity.

Considered a symbol of Irish identity and good luck.

3. Celtic Knot Designs

Intricate, looping patterns with no beginning or end, symbolizing eternity and interconnectedness.

Found in rings, bracelets, and pendants.

4. Harp Jewelry

The Irish harp is a national symbol of Ireland, appearing in necklaces and pins.

Represents Irish culture and music.

5. Celtic Cross

A cross with a circle in the center, blending Christian and Celtic traditions.

Often worn as a spiritual or heritage piece.

On St. Patrick’s Day, wearing any of these jewelry pieces is a great way to celebrate Irish culture and history!

A fun St. Patrick’s Day-related cat fact: The Celtic goddess Brigid, associated with early Irish traditions and later linked to St. Patrick’s era, was said to have had a magical cat!

Celtic Legends & Cats: In Irish folklore, cats were often seen as mystical creatures, sometimes linked to fairies or supernatural beings.

Brigid’s Connection: Brigid, a pre-Christian Irish goddess of fertility, poetry, and protection, was later incorporated into Christian tradition as Saint Brigid, a contemporary of St. Patrick. Some legends claim she had a cat companion, symbolizing wisdom and protection.

Green-Eyed Cats: Since green is the color most associated with St. Patrick’s Day, many people consider green-eyed cats to be extra lucky on this holiday!

So, if you see a green-eyed cat on St. Patrick’s Day, consider it a little extra Irish luck!

Ahoy, all ye lads and lasses! Don’t party too hardy—lest ye wake up feeling like a leprechaun did a jig on your head! Stay safe, have fun, and may your luck last longer than your pint! Join me here next time… if I’m not too busy nursing a shamrock-sized hangover!