It’s no secret that the color blue is strongly associated with St. Patrick’s Day and all things Irish. From blue shamrocks to Chicago River dyed blue, the vibrant hue is an integral part of the March 17th festivities. But why is blue so intertwined with Ireland’s patron saint? The reasons trace back centuries and involve Irish folklore, royal heraldry, and St. Patrick himself.
The Legendary “St. Patrick’s Blue”
According to Irish legend, St. Patrick used a three-leaf shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to the pagan Irish. This iconic plant is almost always depicted as green, matching the lush Irish landscape. However, some medieval texts refer to a mysterious “St. Patrick’s blue,” a shade of blue associated with the saint.
The evidence is scant, but some historians suggest St. Patrick’s blue was meant to represent the innocence of Christ and heavenly divinity. Blue was also associated with truth and constancy in medieval color symbolism. So linking St. Patrick with blue may have been an attempt to align his holy status with these divine attributes.
Heraldry of British Rule
More definitive connections between blue and St. Patrick came during the expansion of British rule in Ireland. The Order of St. Patrick, an elite chivalric order, was created in 1783 to honor Irish peers who supported English authority. The order’s official color was “St. Patrick’s Blue,” likely a reference to the mythical shade.
Members of the Order of St. Patrick wore dark green robes with sky blue collars and accessories. The color combination was designed to meld St. Patrick’s traditional green with the blue of another British chivalric order, the Order of the Garter. This use of blue cemented its association with British-ruled Ireland and St. Patrick.
The Irish Presidential Standard
The Irish presidential standard solidified royal blue as the “St. Patrick’s color” in Ireland. First flown in the 1930s after Ireland gained independence, the flag features a deep St. Patrick’s Blue background with a golden harp. The Irish President flies this standard, which melds Ireland’s ancient royal blue tradition with its patron saint.
| Date Created | Color Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1930s | St. Patrick’s Blue represents Irish sovereignty |
Modern Use in St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Today, St. Patrick’s Blue is still the official blue used in Irish presidential and governmental ceremonial activities. And it remains ingrained in March 17th festivities across the world:
- The Chicago River has been dyed green and blue every St. Patrick’s Day since 1962.
- Blue shamrocks and other symbols combine Ireland’s national color and St. Patrick’s traditional green.
- Parades and celebrations showcase flags with blue, green, and orange to represent all parts of Ireland.
- The Irish language phrase Lá Fhéile Pádraig translates to “St. Patrick’s Day.” The Fhéile element refers to a feast or festival.
- St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is both a religious feast day and public holiday celebrating culture and heritage.
So while green gets more attention, blue also carries cultural significance. Its connection to St. Patrick likely comes from medieval legends, English political strategy, and the Irish Republic’s national symbology. Next March 17th, keep an eye out for some St. Patrick’s blue among the green garb and shamrocks!
Conclusion
In summary, the color blue became linked to St. Patrick and Ireland for a few key reasons:
- Myths of a legendary “St. Patrick’s blue” representing his holiness
- Use of blue in British chivalric orders to assert English rule in Ireland
- Ireland’s integration of royal blue into the presidential standard
- Modern St. Patrick’s Day festivities incorporating blue decor and symbols
While green gets top billing, blue also carries cultural meaning and an interesting backstory. Its varied history shows how colors evolve in meaning and significance over time. The multifaceted story behind “St. Patrick’s blue” gives more depth to this bright hue and its Irish connections.
