Go Green: Traditions, history and ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Most of us know about the tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick's Day, but do you know the history of this holiday? St. Patrick's Day honors the patron saint of Ireland who introduced Christianity to the country in the 5th century. Originally a religious feast day, it has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture, featuring parades, wearing green and feasting, with significant, secular traditions popularized by Irish immigrants in America. Just who was St. Patrick? Born in Roman Britain, Patrick was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at age 16. He later escaped, became a priest and returned to Ireland to convert the pagan population. Credited with establishing monasteries, churches and schools, he died March 17, A.D. 461. Legend has it that he used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Another popular myth is that he banished snakes from Ireland. I wish St. Patrick had banned them from the United States. Sorry, snake lovers. Celebrations of the holiday in the United States vary and include parades. The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in New York City in 1762, driven by Irish soldiers in the British Army. The color green is associated with the holiday, but did you know it originally associated with blue? The color green became popular in the 19th century, associated with the "Wearing of the Green" nationalist ballad. Saint Patrick's Day as a party-oriented celebration, including the wearing of the green and drinking, was heavily influenced by Irish American immigrant culture in the 19th and 20th centuries. Also associated with the day is getting pinched if you don't wear green. The tradition of pinching people not wearing green on St. Patrick's Day stems from American folklore dating back to the early 1700s, based on the belief that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, a sort of mythological Irish fairy that pinches anyone they can see. The act is a playful reminder to wear the color. So, get your green ready to go. Another well-known festivity on St. Patrick's Day occurs in Chicago. The Chicago River is dyed green on the Saturday of St. Patrick's Day weekend, which in 2026 is March 14. The iconic, eco-friendly vegetable-based dye is released by the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local 130. There are some ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2026 with local beverage establishments. Apothec Tea & Company has some special blends to celebrate, including Lucky Charms matcha and Second Breakfast, a tea inspired by the mythical Hobbits. Erwin's Solo Cafe has gotten into the spirit. "Our menu highlights Irish cream and thin mints with a variety of coffee, colorful cereal frappes and delicious fruity sodas," said Solo Cafe owner Maria Garcia. Garcia said that the shop also elevates thin mint supreme cookies, inspired by the popular Girl Scout cookie, to the next level. Downtown Erwin's Steel Rail Coffee House is serving some coffee beverages with names paying homage to all things Irish, including "We Like to Paddy" and "Irish I Had a Mocha," among other holiday-inspired beverages. Michael Baker, owner of Union Street Taproom, has plans at his business to celebrate the day. "We will be having a St. Patrick's Day Party starting at 5 p.m. complete with DJ Trivia and green beer on draft," Baker said. Due to Unicoi County having many residents of Irish-Scotch decent, I'm sure there will be a bit of celebrating. One simple suggestion for enjoying the day would be to play "We Irish," a song written and performed by Dolly Parton. The video's available to watch on Youtube. I wish you the luck of the Irish for the rest of 2026.