Why We Wear Green on St. Patrick’s Day
by Bonnie Donovan
The pinching rule on Saint Patrick’s Day is a quirky tradition that suggests wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns. If you forget to don this festive color, you might find yourself on the receiving end of a playful pinch from these mischievous creatures. While leprechauns may be purely mythical, embracing this folklore adds a layer of fun to the holiday, encouraging everyone to join in the spirit of the day.
So, why do we specifically wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, aside from avoiding those leprechauns? Recent surveys indicate that about 56% of Americans celebrate this holiday, with an astounding 80% of them opting for green attire. This raises the question: why not choose another color? Historically, Saint Patrick was associated with blue, but as Ireland became known as the Emerald Isle, the color green gained prominence, especially with its connections to shamrocks and the national flag.
Over time, the tradition of wearing green has evolved, with Americans leading the charge and influencing global customs. As the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day spread, so did the popularity of this vibrant color, making it a symbol of Irish pride and festivity. Today, donning green has become an essential part of the holiday, allowing people everywhere to partake in the joy and camaraderie that comes with this beloved occasion.
Shamrocks
The term "shamrock" is derived from the Irish word "seamróg," which translates to "young clover." Although there is no strict botanical definition for the shamrock, it is commonly identified as a type of clover, particularly Trifolium dubium (lesser clover) or Trifolium repens (white clover).
The shamrock's connection to Ireland can be traced back to the 5th century, when St. Patrick, the country's patron saint, is said to have used the plant to illustrate the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity. The three leaves represented the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, emphasizing their unity.
As time passed, the shamrock evolved into a symbol of Ireland, embodying faith, cultural heritage, and national pride. Its significance continues to resonate, reflecting the rich traditions and history of the Irish people.
Is it St. Paddy or St. Patty?
Pádraig is the Gaelic or Irish form of the name Patrick, often informally shortened to Paddy, which is why we refer to it as “St Paddy’s Day.” In Ireland, the name Patricia frequently has the diminutive “Patty.”
Some of My Family’s Traditions
Crafting the perfect St. Patrick’s Day feast begins with our cherished breakfast ritual. We kick off the day with a whimsical twist on a classic favorite: Lucky Charms served in vibrant green milk. To create this festive dish, gather a box of Lucky Charms cereal, your preferred milk, and a few drops of green food coloring. Enjoy the magic of the morning!
To kick off the holiday spirit, why not use that leftover green food coloring to add a splash of color to a section of your hair? It’s a fun nod to tradition, just like how Dad used to dye his goatee!
Appetizers Great With Guinness
Michael’s (my son) Corned Beef eggrolls
Prepare eggroll wraps by filling them with a mixture of cooked, shredded, corned, beef, freshly shredded carrots, and cabbage.
Fry the filled wraps in coconut oil until they achieve a golden brown color.
Serve with a selection of mustard for dipping, such as honey mustard, spicy mustard, or Guinness mustard.
Why Irish Whiskey Has an “e”
The inclusion of the letter "e" in Irish whiskey can be traced back to 1878, when a publication called "Truths about Whisky" noted that this distinction was made to differentiate Irish whiskey from its Scottish counterparts. At that time, there were instances where Scottish producers misrepresented their whiskey as Irish, likely due to the higher prestige and price associated with Irish whiskey, which was enjoying a period of significant acclaim.
For a Real Irish Celebration
You can go to The Brewhouse (229 W. Montecito St.) and get a crawler of Donovan Stout made in house in honor of my father Larry Donovan.
More Meal Suggestions (click on the links below for the recipes)
Bangers and Mash (traditional pub food)
Shepherd's Pie or Cottage Pie (the difference is the type of meat you use)
Bonnie’s Corned Beef
I've previously shared my recipe with a select few friends, but now I'm sharing it with you!
Start with a large flat piece of corned beef, trimming off any excess fat.
Sear the meat on both sides and edges until browned.
Place the seared corned beef into a large crockpot.
Add the seasoning packet to the crockpot and fill it with beef stock, leaving an inch of space at the top. (You can also use a mix of beef stock and Guinness beer.)
Spread brown mustard evenly over the top of the corned beef, followed by a layer of maple syrup; repeat this process each time you flip the meat.
Set the crockpot to high for 2 hours.
After one hour, flip the corned beef and reapply the mustard and maple syrup.
At the end of the second hour, flip the meat again, reapply the toppings, reduce the heat to low, and set the timer for 6 hours.
Remember to flip the corned beef and add mustard and maple syrup every hour.
I usually cook my potatoes, cabbage, and carrots separately.
Don't forget, a large corned beef ensures delicious leftovers for sandwiches!
Last But Not Least: Dessert
Irish Coffee featuring Jameson or Bushmills
Few classic Irish cocktails exude elegance quite like the iconic Irish Coffee. Originating at the Foynes Airbase in Limerick in 1943, this delightful beverage serves as a comforting choice for cold winter nights.
To prepare this drink, you will need whiskey, ground coffee, demerara sugar, freshly whipped cream, and optional garnishes of nutmeg or chocolate. Begin by warming a glass with hot water, then discard the water and add 35.5ml of whiskey. Fill the glass with brewed coffee and stir in one teaspoon of sugar until fully dissolved. Whip the fresh cream lightly until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Finally, pour the cream gently over the back of a spoon to create a floating layer on top of the coffee. For an added touch, consider garnishing with grated nutmeg or dark chocolate to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Click here for history and pictures.
Chocolate Guinness and Jameson Milk Shake
- To create the Ultimate Chocolate Guinness Jameson Milkshake, gather the following ingredients: four cups of rich chocolate ice cream, one can of Guinness beer, two shots of Jameson whiskey, chocolate syrup for drizzling, and whipped cream for topping.
- Begin by placing the chocolate ice cream, Guinness, and Jameson into a blender. Blend the mixture until it becomes frothy and well combined, ensuring a smooth texture.
- While the blender is working, take a pint glass and drizzle chocolate syrup along the inside, creating a decorative swirl that adds both flavor and visual appeal.
- Once the blending is complete, carefully pour the creamy mixture from the blender into the prepared glass, allowing the chocolate syrup to enhance the presentation.
- Finish off the milkshake by generously adding a dollop of whipped cream on top, creating a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate base.
- For an extra touch of fun, grab a fancy straw to enjoy your milkshake, making the experience even more enjoyable.
- This indulgent treat combines the deep flavors of chocolate, the unique taste of Guinness, and the smoothness of Jameson, resulting in a deliciously decadent drink.
- Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, this milkshake is sure to impress friends and family alike.
- Feel free to customize your milkshake by adding toppings like chocolate shavings or green sprinkles for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Enjoy your Ultimate Chocolate Guinness Jameson Milkshake responsibly, savoring each sip of this delightful concoction.
"Lá fhéile Pádraig sona duit"
Which translates to "Happy St. Patrick's Day!"
OK Donovan (it is Donovan isn't it?)
What with the Feel Good print stuff????
Green or get pinched? Is that your way of getting back at people you went to Grammar School?
Oh and what is this about listing makers of the "Wee Nip?"
Yea and if I supply the ingredients will you do the Corned Beef???? (chuckle)
OH, and is this a comment on your readers??? crockpot to high
See here it is again.... "Irish Coffee featuring Jameson or Bushmills"
I tell you Lady!
Great article.... (Now where is my orange jacket - don't look at me like that)
Thanks
Wonderful, Bonnie. In my experience, the Irish in Santa Barbara are divided into two camps, those who become more Irish with every year they live here and those who give it up to say “Yeah, dude.”
Our Corned Beef Brisket is on its way from Shalhoob's Butcher Shop. Not too Irish a store. I also have Bangers in the freezer I got from Jolly Posh, British not Irish yes, but the best bangers you can buy in America. https://jollyposhfoods.com/. And according to Wikipedia, your son's Reuben Egg Rolls were possibly invented by Reuben Kulakofsky, who was Lithuanian Jewish. Where are the local Irish SJWs about this cultural appropriation? Drinking Donovan Stout at The Brewhouse!