St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world. It originated as a religious feast day commemorating the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Over time, it has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage. One of the most iconic symbols associated with the holiday is the color green. From green rivers to green beer, the emerald hue is synonymous with all things Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. However, some argue that blue, not green, was the original color of the holiday. So what evidence exists to support the idea that blue is the true St. Patrick’s Day color? Let’s examine the historical origins, cultural traditions, and modern associations to get to the heart of this colorful debate.
The Case for Green
Those who argue green is the quintessential St. Patrick’s Day color often cite the lush green landscape of Ireland itself. Forty shades of green paint the hillsides. Even the flag of Ireland prominently features a green stripe. The color green is also used extensively in folklore and mythology surrounding Ireland. Leprechauns, pots of gold, shamrocks, and the mythological Green Man all tie the color to Irish identity and St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Beyond the symbolic ties, there are also practical reasons why green became the go-to St. Patrick’s Day color. In the 17th century, the color blue was associated with revolt and revolution due to the United Irishmen rebellion. To promote loyalty to England, the Irish Volunteers wore green, launching the shift toward green as the national color. Additionally, as St. Patrick’s Day parades came into prominence in America and elsewhere, revelers wore the color green to clearly identify with Irish heritage and stand out in a crowd.
The Case for Blue
While green may be top of mind today, blue has its own historic ties to St. Patrick and March 17th celebrations. Early depictions of St. Patrick from the 9th to the 12th centuries showed him in blue garments. Some argue he chose blue for its religious significance at the time.
There is also evidence of blue being used during St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivities through the 18th and 19th centuries. Blue ribbons and shamrocks were worn on lapels. Ireland’s Order of St. Patrick, an order of chivalry, wore a light blue color known as St. Patrick’s blue. Additionally, up until the rebellion in 1798, the color blue was frequently associated with St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland.
Some modern St. Patrick’s Day parades also incorporate blue hues through banners with blue stripes, sashes, and decorations. And many cities dye their rivers blue rather than green for a unique take on St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
| Color | Key Associations |
|---|---|
| Green | Irish landscapes, folklore, green revolution, modern parades |
| Blue | Early St. Patrick depictions, pre-1798 Ireland, some modern parades |
Origins and Evolution
To better understand how green became the dominant color requires examining the origins and evolution of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The holiday started as a Catholic feast day in the 17th century to commemorate St. Patrick and his work bringing Christianity to Ireland. Blue likely was the original color worn during observances of the religious feast day.
However, the rise of Irish nationalism in the late 18th century transformed the holiday into a celebration of Irish identity. The color shift from blue to green took place during this time. While blue held religious meaning, it was also associated with revolution given the United Irishmen uprisings. So green became the new symbol of Irish nationalism by the early 19th century.
As Irish immigrants spread out across America and elsewhere, they brought St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with them. The prominence of massive public parades and the need for visual solidarity helped further cement green as the color of the holiday.
Should Blue Make a Comeback?
Given the long historical ties between blue and the holiday, some believe it deserves more prominence today. Suggestions range from incorporating more blue into St. Patrick’s Day parades to using blue lighting to illuminate more landmarks on March 17th. While green remains dominant, many feel a touch of blue can acknowledge the role the color played in the origins of the holiday.
Smaller communities have already embraced adding blue to festivities through river dying and parade regalia. These efforts demonstrate how blue can complement green in modern St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It adds visual interest and reflects the rich cultural history where both colors held meaning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while green may be the most visible color today, blue also has a legitimate claim as an iconic St. Patrick’s Day hue. The use of blue in early religious observances and pre-18th century Ireland gives it a solid link. However, the rise of Irish nationalism and the prominence of public celebrations solidified the transition to green over time. The story of these two colors shows how the meaning of symbols can evolve over the centuries as the history and culture of holidays change. St. Patrick’s Day serves as a great example of those forces in motion.
