By Roxane Liguti, Year 12
Yesterday was St. Patrick’s Day! You may be asking yourself: Why is everything suddenly green? Jokes aside, there is a very good reason why the color green is largely presented on this special day.
The color green was supposed to represent the color of leprechauns, small humanoid creatures from Irish Folklore, that hide their small and golden coins under rainbows. All funny-looking with their top hats and their buckled shoes, one might mistake them for elves. The color green is mandatory for the whole day as it connects to Irish heritage and history. To speak the truth, the color green is ubiquitous in Ireland it can be found in Connemara (which is one of the six biggest national parks in all of Ireland), on its national flag, as well as in other significant elements of Irish culture which connect to its historical roots.
Wearing green on this day also represents Irish people’s love and pride for their country, not only for one day, but all year long. Many Irish people appreciate their country and would never, by any means, leave it. The green also comes from their national emblem, which is the Shamrock. The symbolism of the Shamrock changes as you travel throughout Ireland. In fact, when I visited, I stayed in a very typical Irish household, in Newport next to Dublin. The host mother explained that the three leaves of the Shamrock represented Irish Nationalism and the Holy Trinity.
Historically, the Shamrock was originally meant to be blue. The colors have changed since 1798, during the Irish Rebellion, when revolutionaries used the color green, as a secret code to discreetly project their nationalism and to show off their fervent pride in their country.
The symbolic meanings of colors are varied, from being a display of friendship, nature, or respect for your comrades who fought in a war. One funny thing about St Patrick’s Day is that even if your neighbor is a complete stranger, you must celebrate with them, as this day also celebrates camaraderie and the creation of new friendships. Don’t forget to enjoy some Irish delicacies and participate in many activities, as this day only comes once a year! In addition, green may represent the second name of their country, often referred to as the “The Emerald Country”, due to the gem’s multiple shades of green, much like Ireland’s countryside.
Even if you are a tourist in Ireland, or elsewhere in the world, it is encouraged that you wear green and you shall be included in celebrations!
Needless to say, have a very happy St Patrick’s Day !
