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Why People Wear Green On St Patrick’s Day

When we think of St. Patrick’s Day, or Ireland, for that matter, we think of the colour green. The green of the lush landscape of Ireland, a leprechaun’s hat, or, most especially, the shamrock, which is always associated with this day. So, why do people wear green on St. Patrick’s day? Read on!

Why People Wear Green On St. Patrick's DayPin
Women wearing a green shirt

In the past, green was not exactly a favourite colour in Ireland, and, in some areas, was even considered unlucky. Let’s have a look at the history of wearing green on St Patrick’s day.

The Shamrock

The shamrock is the primary symbol of the green, but, amazingly enough, not Ireland’s national symbol, which is the harp. According to ancient history, the shamrock was important in Ireland before Christianity. It was supposedly sacred to the Druids, because the shape resembled the triad, or the mystical group of three. When St. Patrick arrived in the 5th century, he used this familiar plant and it’s importance to explain the Trinity.

The first mention of the shamrock appears in English in 1571, and in written Irish, in 1707. Using it as a badge worn on St. Patrick’s feast day, was first recorded in 1681. Today, on St. Patrick’s Day, a member of the British Royal Family presents shamrocks to the Irish Guards regiment.

Why People Wear Green On St. Patrick's DayPin
Why People Wear Green On St. Patrick’s Day

Wearing Green

The term, “the wearin’ o’ the green” began in the 19th century, and referred to anyone who wore the shamrock. It was a symbol that you were part of the rebellion, and a dangerous ornament to wear. It was considered so rebellious to wear the shamrock during the reign of Queen Victoria, that the troops were forbidden to wear it.

Clover

The Irish shamrock, which is traditionally spelled seamróg, means, summer plant. It is actually the white clover. Sometimes, an extra leaf will appear on these plants, and, the tradition grew that finding one brings good luck.

Why People Wear Green On St. Patrick's DayPin
Clover leafs

Shamrock Trademark

The shamrock today has been registered as a trademark by the Government of Ireland, and, is used on almost everything imaginable. It’s symbol is found on flags, stamps, coins, and even as decorative motifs on furniture.

In Chicago, the green river tradition began when a pipe fitter’s union dumped one hundred gallons of green vegetable dye into the river. Today, less dye is dumped into the Chicago river because of environmental concerns.

Do you wear green on st patrick’s day?

Without a doubt, to the millions of people who claim some form of Irish ancestry, green will always be worn on St. Patrick’s Day. Going one step further each year, St. Patrick’s Day food and drink are also sometimes dyed green to commemorate the day! Comment below if you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green!

Lyne Proulx
Lyne Proulxhttps://ottawamommyclub.ca/
Lyne Proulx is a Certified Professional Wedding Consultant and experienced Event Planner with a strong background in community engagement and large-scale event coordination. For eight years, she led the Annual Infant Information Day/Early Years Expo for the City of Ottawa. From 2013 to 2016, she was the driving force behind the BConnected Conference, Canada’s premier digital influencer and social media conference, held in Ottawa and Toronto. Lyne also served as co-chair of the Navan for Kraft Hockeyville committee from 2009 to 2011, organizing five major community events in just six months. Her leadership helped Navan become one of the top 10 finalists in the national competition. In recognition of her exceptional volunteerism and dedication to community building, she was honored with the City of Ottawa Mayor's City Builder Award in April 2011. In 2025, Lyne brought her passion for weddings and event planning to a new level by organizing the inaugural Tucker House Bridal Fair, showcasing local vendors and creating a unique experience for engaged couples.

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Comments

  1. It’s always so much fun to dress up for the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. I enjoyed reading your article about the History and traditions.

  2. I didn’t know that it was considered rebellious to wear the shamrock during the reign of Queen Victoria and that the troops were forbidden to wear it. 🍀

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