7 Fun Facts about Why Green Is the Official Saint Patrick's Day Color

1. St. Patrick Symbolically Adopted Ireland’s Green

St. Patrick, the primary patron saint of Ireland, was not originally associated with the color green at all. Images of him from before the 1600s show the saint in a sky-blue shade, known then as “St. Patrick's blue,” which was the official color of the Order named for him. Blue was also the main color used in Ireland’s flag while the country was under English rule, and since St. Patrick was born in England, the connection made sense.

At 16 years of age, Patrick was taken from his home and made a slave in Ireland for several years. During that time of exile, Patrick’s passion for God grew. He escaped back to England, but years later received a vision that he was being called to return to Ireland. He travelled through the country, persevering through hardships and dangers to bring a saving knowledge of God to many. Eventually, St. Patrick became a beloved figure in Ireland, and when their symbols shifted to green, St. Patrick’s clothing took on the same color.

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2. St. Patrick Used a Green Shamrock to Explain the Trinity

One of the inspirations for the color green was actually the shamrock sprig. St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock as a tool to explain the Holy Trinity. The Trinity is a concept that all Christians need to know, but it is often confusing. Though it is founded in Scripture, the idea of the Trinity, or the Godhead, has never been fully understood by man. Genesis 1:26, For instance, quotes God as saying, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”

One of the simplest ways to state the doctrine is to say that there is One God who exists in three Persons: God the Father, Christ the Son, and The Holy Spirit. They are all equal and eternal, yet acting as One. St. Patrick discovered the shamrock to be an effective visual to use when teaching on such an important but complex topic. People could better remember the separate Persons of the Trinity while looking at the sprig’s three leaves.

3. Colors Can Signify Religious Heritage

Wearing green is sometimes a statement about religious heritage as well. One of Ireland’s two major faiths is Roman Catholicism. This took root during St. Patrick's ministry. The authority of the Pope and the church priesthood, as well as the holy rites of baptism and confirmation, are emphasized. As Ireland started to oppose English rule, many saw following the Catholic faith as a way of showing resistance, and putting on green signified an allegiance with the cause.

Another color, orange, came to signify the Protestant faith. As in many places, religion became entwined with politics in Ireland. So while both Catholics and Protestants are technically considered Christians, a divide grew between the two. Some people began to wear white to  indicate a desire for peace between the two faiths.

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4. Green Flags and Uniforms Portrayed Political Passions

Green had an important role to play in the struggle for Irish independence from England. Starting with the Great Irish Rebellion of 1641, the color was intentionally used in the flags of several revolutionary groups to display the longing for self-government.

Later, green replaced the traditional blue of England in the country’s flag design. It mirrored the color scheme the two major religions practiced in the land then: a green stripe to represent Catholicism, an orange one for the Protestant faith, and white as a call for unity between them.

The practice of wearing green to symbolize Irish national pride took on steam in the 1790s. The Society of United Irishmen, a political group inspired by the American Revolution, designed a uniform of green felt hats, green shirts, and pants with green and white stripes. Wearing these was a bold and risky declaration against the English who still ruled them, and emboldened others to join their movement.

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5. Ireland’s Lush Landscape is Referred to as ‘The Emerald Isle’

The connection between Ireland and green has also been encouraged by a poem that grew in popularity throughout Ireland and beyond. “When Erin First Rose,”  was penned by Dr. William Drennan, a leader of the Society of United Irishmen, in 1795. The phrase “The emerald isle” is used to paint a loving picture of his country’s lush landscape:

When Erin first Rose from the dark swelling flood, God blessed the green island, he saw it was good. The Emerald of Europe it sparkled and shone, in the ring of this world, the most precious stone. Arm of Erin, be strong! But be gentle as brave; and uplifted to strike, be still ready to save; let no feeling of vengeance presume to defile the cause of, or men of, the Emerald Isle. 

6. The Song ‘Wearing of the Green’ Became a National Standard

Dion Bouicicault, a playwright in the mid 1800’s, composed a song called “Wearing of the Green” for one of his shows. This short tune quickly became a national standard that is now known all around the world through many recordings and performances. The lyrics are both a joyful expression of Irish pride in and a declaration of personal dedication to the homeland.

O Paddy dear, and did ye hear the news that’s goin’ round? The shamrock is by law forbid to grow on Irish ground! No more St. Patrick's Day we’ll keep, his color can’t be seen for there’s a cruel law ag’in the Wearin’ o’ the Green…

When laws can stop the blades of grass from growin’ as they grow and when the leaves in summer-time their color dare not show then I will change the color too I wear in my caubeen but till that day, please God, I’ll stick to the Wearin’ o’ the Green.

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7. Leprechaun Lore Makes Green a ‘Lucky’ Color

One of the most beloved of mythical creatures, the leprechaun, comes out on St. Patrick's Day proudly wearing green. The earliest writings claim that solitary leprechauns wore red, but those who traveled together in herds wore green. Over time, all became clothed in the same hue. In fact, it’s said that if one of them sees a person not dressed in green, they’ll give them a pinch.

The original folklore about these types of fairies has been traced back to the eighth century. Some believe that “luchorpans”, or water sprites, were the beginning of the legend, while others think it came from “leath bhrogan,” the Irish word for shoemaker.

Many are convinced that leprechauns have treasure stashed away, or that they have the power to grant wishes. In either case, lots of people try to find, trap and catch them to gain luck and riches, so building “leprechaun traps” is an annual event in some homes.

So as you pull out your green shirts, hats, or pins to wear this St. Patrick’s Day, take a moment to remember all unique ways the color is connected to Ireland. Green represents the truly rich history of a strong and special people, and a persevering Saint Patrick who shared the Gospel far and wide.

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