Some traditions for St Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick's Day celebration comes with a couple of traditions and customs which we associate with this festive and joyful day. Besides wearing green which is a popular, even fun custom, there are many others which Irish people love. This celebration represents somehow the Irish spirit, so they follow with pleasure every one of these traditions, each year, on the 17th of March.

 

As Saint Patrick’s Day approaches, we think of leprechauns spread all over the neighborhood and in our home. It is a popular Irish symbol, a bearded and cheerful little man, resembling an elf. The legend says that leprechaun’s job is to make shoes for fairies and they are very well paid. They gain a lot of gold which they hide in the pots. Such treasure it’s said that can be found at the end of rainbows. A leprechaun’s treat is he can't tell any lies, but he can also be very manipulative. The legends also said that if you catch one of them, you can make them tell you where they have hidden the pot of gold, since they’re not able to tell a lie. There are many traditions related to leprechauns and they happily decorate the houses at St Patrick’s

 

Shamrock is another St. Patrick's popular symbol. Their legend is related to the patron saint of Ireland, St Patrick – a three-leaf clover, signifies the Holy Trinity. The four-leafed clover is a symbol of luck, representing God's Grace. The tradition of hunting through clover patches, and decorating homes with shamrocks and four-leafed clovers are all very respected, just like playing fun games and exchanging St Patrick’s Day cards.

 

If you think of what to eat on St. Patrick's Day, the beef and cabbage are two foods that Irish people consider as traditional. Cabbage is usually served with bacon and it’s simply delicious. Corned beef became part of the tradition when the St. Patrick's Day celebration arrived to America.

 

Claddagh Ring is also a relevant part of St Patrick tradition. It’s a ring with two cupped hands cradling a heart, with a crown on the top. You give this ring to friends and lovers. And since the 17th century it has been the traditional wedding ring for Irish people. The heart represents love, hands mean friendship, and crown is a symbol of fidelity and loyalty. If the ring is worn on the right hand, with crown and heart facing out, it doesn’t mean commitment. If you’re in love with the one who gave it to you, the ring is wore on the right hand, facing the crown inwards. If you wear it on the left hand with the crown facing in, it symbolizes a committed relationship or marriage.

 

There are many other nice traditions to respect in such a cheerful spring day. Feel free to enjoy each moment of it!

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