St Patrick’s Day celebrates the patron saint of Ireland. But how did the colour green become associated with St Patrick?

There are many thoughts on this, however a popular belief relates to the shamrock representing the Trinity, that God is three in one – the father, the son and the holy spirit.  In the 19th century the tradition of  ‘wearing of the green’ started.  This meant wearing an item of green clothing or a shamrock.  No surprise that green is the national colour.  It’s not called the Emerald Isle for nothing!

But it was the Irish who immigrated to the US that really embraced St Patrick’s Day.  The New York parade is the largest and most famous of all the St Patrick Day parades.

St Patrick's Day. Celebrating New York style.

Each year the Chicago River is specially dyed green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

St Patrick's Day. Each year the Chicago river is dyed green.

St Patrick's Day. Where everyone can be Irish for a day & celebrate!

St Patrick’s Day is all about having fun and celebrating, so get on your green and break out the corned beef and cabbage!

Karen x