St. Patrick's Day

Searcy, Ark. –

St. Patrick’s Day kicks off a worldwide celebration also known as the Feast of St. Patrick. On March 17, many will wear green in honor of the Irish and decorate with shamrocks. According to lore, the wearing of the green tradition dates back to a story written about St. Patrick in 1726. St. Patrick (c. AD 385–461) used the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity and worn green clothing. And while the story is unlikely to be true, many will revel in the Irish heritage and eat traditional Irish fare, too. 

In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated since before the country was formed. At times, the holiday has been a bit more of a rowdy one, with green beer, parades, and talk of leprechauns. However, in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day takes on a more solemn mood. It wasn’t until events in the United States broadcast in Ireland that some of the Yankee ways spread across the pond. One Irish American tradition not common to Ireland is corned beef and cabbage. 

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY HISTORY

The Feast of St. Patrick started in the early 17th-century. The day marks the death of St. Patrick and was chosen as an official Christian feast day and is observed by the Catholic Church. The day is also a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world, especially in Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand.

Saint Patrick’s FAQ

Q. How many people in the United States are of Irish descent?
A. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 31.5 million Americans claim Irish descent. That’s a lot of Irish Americans! And that includes those who may be 100% Irish or less than 15% Irish. A little bit of the Emerald Isle goes a long way.

Q. Can I pinch someone who isn’t wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day?
A. The tradition of pinching those who don’t wear green on St. Patrick’s Day comes from the belief that wearing green made one invisible to the fairies and leprechauns spreading mischief on that day. These legendary creatures were known for their pinching. Those celebrating the day would pinch those who didn’t wear green as a reminder of what could happen (or to impersonate the leprechauns and fairies). That said if you’re going to pinch on St. Patrick’s Day, be gentle, or better yet, bring along some green stickers to place on other revelers as a way of offering protection from those menacing leprechauns and fairies.

For additional information on horticulture related topics, contact the White County Extension Service at 501-268-5394 or Sherri Sanders by email at ssanders@uada.edu. 

The University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.

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By Sherri Sanders
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Sherri Sanders
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
2400 Old Searcy Landing Road Searcy AR 72143
(501) 268-5394
ssanders@uada.edu

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.