St Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held on March 17th every year to honor the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. The holiday originated as a commemoration of Saint Patrick’s arrival in Ireland as a Christian missionary in the 5th century AD. Over time, it evolved into a celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and identity. Some of the most iconic and recognizable symbols associated with St Patrick’s Day include the color green, shamrocks, leprechauns, and parades.
However, certain colors like orange are sometimes considered offensive to wear on St Patrick’s Day. This stems from historical and political tensions between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Here is a closer look at what colors may be deemed controversial or inappropriate to wear on this Irish cultural holiday and why.
The Significance of Green
The color green is deeply symbolic on St Patrick’s Day. Green represents Ireland itself – the “Emerald Isle” – with its lush, verdant landscapes. Saint Patrick himself is also closely associated with the shamrock, a three-leafed green plant that he used to explain the Holy Trinity in his missionary teachings. Over time, wearing green on March 17th became a way for Irish immigrants abroad to assert their cultural identity and connection to their homeland. Today, sporting green clothing or accessories on St Patrick’s Day is a near-universal custom, even among non-Irish people wishing to partake in the revelry.
The Color Orange
While green is ubiquitous on March 17th, the color orange may be deemed controversial in some contexts. Orange is closely identified with Protestant unionists in Northern Ireland who wish to remain part of the United Kingdom. As such, it represents the cultural and political opposition of Irish nationalism and Catholicism. This stems from complex socio-religious divisions within Ireland dating back centuries.
During the Protestant Ascendancy in the 16th-19th centuries, Irish Catholics faced discrimination under British Protestant rule. Later, the conflict continued between largely Protestant unionists and predominantly Catholic Irish nationalists throughout The Troubles in Northern Ireland from the 1960s-1990s. Issues of religion, identity, and independence fueled violence and unrest between the two communities. Though great progress has been made in reconciliation and establishing peace, tensions can still run high.
Why Orange is Controversial on St Patrick’s Day
Wearing orange on St Patrick’s Day can be seen as an implicit political and religious statement. It may be perceived as showing support for continued British rule in Northern Ireland over unification with the Republic of Ireland. Depending on the context, it may be viewed as anti-Irish or anti-Catholic. While orange may be worn year-round in Protestant loyalist communities in Northern Ireland, it is taboo on St Patrick’s Day to Irish nationalists and Catholics. They view it as disrespectful of Ireland’s patron saint and heritage.
In Northern Irish cities like Belfast, there have been clashes in the past on March 17th between Catholic and Protestant groups over displays of green and orange. Both colors are meaningful cultural and political symbols and wearing one’s colors on St Patrick’s Day is seen as an assertion of identity and allegiance. As such, the two colors have become touchpoints for sectarian tensions.
Other Potentially Offensive Colors
While orange is the most contentious color on St Patrick’s Day, other hues may also be seen as disrespectful in some contexts.
- Blue – May be seen as associating St Patrick’s Day with Union Jack flags and symbols of British rule.
- Red – Could denote allegiance to Protestant groups like the Orange Order.
- Purple – Historically associated with British royalty, implying anti-Irish sentiment.
- Black/White – Colors of the Ulster Banner, a former Northern Irish flag.
However, interpretations will vary by community, individual sentiment, and the broader political climate. Many people happily wear all colors on March 17th without controversy.
Ways to Celebrate Inclusively
If you wish to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in a spirit of cultural respect and inclusiveness, here are some tips:
- Wear green to show solidarity with all Irish culture and heritage.
- Avoid orange if celebrating in Ireland or areas with strong nationalist sentiment.
- Display Irish flags and shamrocks, not British symbols.
- Learn some Irish language phrases to show goodwill.
- Attend an inclusive community parade bringing all cultures together.
- Appreciate Irish music, dance, arts, and literature.
- Support Irish companies, products, and crafts.
With sensitivity and awareness, everyone can partake in St Patrick’s celebrations in a unifying, non-sectarian way. The holiday can bring people together to appreciate Ireland’s rich culture and history if divisive politics are set aside.
Conclusion
Orange and other colors like red and blue should be avoided on St Patrick’s Day in contexts where they may be seen as implicit political statements. Given the holiday’s Catholic and Irish nationalist associations, orange is particularly controversial due to its Protestant unionist connotations. However, green can be worn safely by all wishing to honor Ireland’s patron saint and cultural heritage. With care and inclusiveness, the March 17th festivities can be enjoyed in a unifying spirit of Irish pride.
| Color | Meaning | Potentially Offensive? |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Irish nationalism, Catholicism, Saint Patrick | No |
| Orange | Protestant unionism, British rule | Yes |
| Red | British/Protestant sympathies | Possibly |
| Blue | United Kingdom | Possibly |
| Purple | British royalty | Possibly |