St. Patrick, the Shamrock, and the Color Green
The Symbols of St. Patrick’s Day
When you say “St. Patrick’s Day,” the very first thing people think of is the color green. From festive decor to various beverages, everything is adorned with green on and around March 17. The green, of course, comes from the holiday’s association with the shamrock, or three-leaf clover, and Ireland, the Emerald Isle. But just how far back in history does the association between St. Patrick and the shamrock go? Or the color green, for that matter? It turns out the association between St. Patrick and the shamrock goes back to the very beginning! St. Patrick lived in Ireland sometime between the years A.D. 400 and 490. Legend has it that St. Patrick, a Romano- British Christian missionary and bishop, used the shamrock, or three-leaf clover, to teach Irish people about the Holy Trinity — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The color green itself has long been connected with Ireland, too. In the 11th century, a story written in a book called “Lebor Gabála Érenn,” or “The Book of the Taking of Ireland,” tells of Goídel Glas, who was bitten by a snake and saved by Moses. Moses placed his staff on the snakebite and healed the wound, but the wound remained green as a reminder of the bite and that in the years to come, Goídel Glas would help drive the snakes from Ireland — another detail commonly associated with St. Patrick. But the “green” connection continues. The name Goídel was anglicized to the word “Gaelic” and Glas is the Irish word for green, so the name was translated to Gaelic Green. In the 1700s, however, things changed. The Order of St. Patrick — a chivalric order founded in 1783 — decided to use the color blue in all celebrations related to St. Patrick. As a result, blue became closely associated with the saint and the holiday. The group
popularized blue, pushing classic green symbols out of the public consciousness.
Then, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was a resurgence of classic Irish cultural symbols, such as the shamrock and the color green. It was part of the Gaelic Revival. Up to that point, the Irish language and classic Irish literature had faded, and many people sought to bring it back — and the symbols along with it. Since then, these symbols have remained a part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and celebrations of Irish heritage!
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GREEN VELVET CHEESECAKE BARS
This St. Paddy’s Day, try taking a festive spin on a classic staple. If you have red velvet lovers in your family, they’re sure to love this equally decadent treat.
Directions 1. Heat oven to 350 F, and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine crumbs, butter, and food coloring. Press into the baking pan. 3. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together. Ingredients • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs • 1 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs • 1 stick butter, melted
4. Add eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla. 5. Pour mixture over the packed crumbs. 6. Bake for 40 minutes or until the center is set. 7. Let cool completely before adding sprinkles and slicing. • 1 oz green food coloring (gel works best) • 3 8-oz packages cream cheese, softened • 2/3 cup sugar • 3 eggs • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • Green sprinkles, optional
ARIES BLOOM BUD FLOWERS
GROWTH LUCKY MELT PUDDLE
RAIN REBIRTH SPRING SPROUT
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