Happy St. Patrick's Day! Did You Forget to Wear Green?

All those of Irish decent (and many other people) wear the color green on St Patrick's Day. But do you know why? 

Today I'm sharing a little history about this tradition. And a suggestion for a quick and easy way to keep yourself from getting pinched if you forget to wear green on St. Patrick's Day.

The Wearing of the Green

In the late 1700's, when the Irish rose up against the British, wearing the color green or a shamrock was forbidden, as it was considered a rebellious act. People who were non-compliant with this rule were
prosecuted, some apparently even hung. Wearing of the Green is a ballad written about that time, and still popular today.  

The song begins:

"O Paddy dear, and did ye hear the news that's goin' round?
The shamrock is by law forbid to grow on Irish ground!
No more Saint Patrick's Day we'll keep, his color can't be seen
For there's a cruel law ag'in the Wearin' o' the Green."

Further lyrics tell of how "they're hanging men and women for the wearin' o' the green" and that until "laws can stop the blades of grass from growing, the Irish will "stick to the wearin' o' the green."

To read the full lyrics of The Wearing of the Green, click here.
To hear a sample or purchase recording of The Wearing of the Green, click here.

If you don't wear green on March 17th, you might get pinched!

Strong feelings of Irish patriotism are what motivate many people to wear green on St. Patrick's Day. Others simply know that if they don't, they run the risk of being pinched, a tradition which began years ago as well. No one wants to be pinched, right?!

There's a quick, easy solution if you forgot to wear green on St. Patrick's Day

Teachers often feel badly for the elementary school kids who get teased because they are not wearing green on St Patrick's Day.  It is easy (for both kids and adults) to leave home without wearing any green, before realizing what day it is. 

One simple solution for this is to quickly make a St. Patrick's day badge with a little green on it.  This could be a fun class project, or an easy craft to do at home with your kids.  And the best part thing about it - no one will get pinched while wearing one of these!

To show you just how easy it is to make one of these badges, I have made a video.  Yes - a video. I am really going out on a limb here!  I'm a lot more used to sharing my thoughts on this blog in writing - but a video seemed like the best way to prove that anyone can draw a shamrock - and quickly produce this badge. This is the first "how to" video I have ever produced, so please be kind! 

May the luck of the Irish be with you today and always.

Do you always wear green on March 17th?

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