It’s March, a time to “Go Green!” No, it’s not time to reduce, reuse, and recycle, even though that’s always a good idea. St. Patrick’s Day is coming, and it’s time for the “wearin’ of the green” for the Irish and those who want to be Irish, at least for the day. The color green has long been associated with St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. The popular Irish holiday is celebrated every year on March 17th, the day St. Patrick died. He was a missionary during the 5th century and was responsible for the Irish conversion to Christianity. Legend has it that he single handedly drove all of the snakes out of Ireland. Ireland never actually had any snakes but they were a metaphor for Irish Pagans, and he symbolically drove them out.

Having trouble getting into the holiday spirit? Here’s a few ideas to get your “green” spirit on:

Wear Green So You Don’t Get Pinched!

Ireland is given the nickname the “Emerald Isle” because of its rich, green countryside. It’s traditional to wear the color green on St. Patrick’s Day unless you want to get pinched by a leprechaun. Legend says that by wearing green, you become invisible to the Leprechauns and those who aren’t wearing green will get pinched. Wearing green is not only a way of expressing your inner Irish, but an easy way to get yourself and others into the holiday spirit.

Jam Out to a St. Paddy’s Playlist

Another easy way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is by enjoying some authentic Irish music. Celtic and traditional Irish songs can definitely get you into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. If you have a Spotify account, there are plenty of Irish stations you can listen and dance along to. Channel your inner Irish!

Spread a Little Luck

Everyone can use some extra luck, especially if you’re having an awful day. Since it’s hard to find a lucky four leaf clover lying around, create your own using some scissors and green construction paper and give it to friends as a friendly holiday gesture. It’s a fun and easy craft, similar to sending a Valentine to spread holiday cheer.

Check Out a St. Paddy’s Day Parade

Many communities celebrate the holiday with a festive parade complete with Irish folk dancing and marching brigades playing bagpipe music. If you’re interested in seeing some Irish dancers and singing along to Irish folk songs, attending a local St. Paddy’s Parade is a great way to be a part of traditional Irish customs!

End Your Day with an Authentic Irish Dish

This St. Patrick’s Day, millions of Americans will sit down to an authentic Irish meal consisting of corned beef and cabbage. Or so they think. In fact, only half of that meal is truly Irish. Though cabbage has always been a staple of Irish cooking, it was usually eaten with Irish bacon, not corned beef. Irish immigrants in America could not afford bacon, so they used corned beef instead because it was cheaper.

   This St. Paddy’s at Padua, many students will no doubt be accessorizing their uniforms with green headbands and shamrock pins. Freshman Katie Doran exclaimed, “I love to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. I’ve been a competitive Irish dancer for 10 years.” She added, “This year I will be Irish dancing for patients at the Christiana Hospital Cancer Center for America, and in the Wilmington Parade!”

One of the best things about St. Patrick’s day is that you don’t even have to be Irish to celebrate it. It’s a day welcoming people of all different ethnicity in celebrating the special traditions the Irish have kept for many years. So, on March 17th, have some fun and remember to wear green for St. Paddy’s day. Keep in mind though, the true meaning of the day is to honor St. Patrick and his teachings about Christianity. Most importantly, don’t forget to keep calm and get your Irish on!