Whether you hail from the stony shores of Ireland or are just a fan of the color green, St. Patrick’s Day is a fun excuse to celebrate Irish culture and dig into some delicious Irish cuisine. Want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a new and inventive way? Check out this list, which includes everything from classic Irish drinking games to rocking Irish jams.
First off, what is St. Patrick’s Day?
Born in the late 4th century, escaped slave St. Patrick made it his life’s mission to convert the Irish people to Christianity. He built schools, monasteries, and churches, many of which are still in use today. There are also several legends surrounding the famed patron saint, such as the tale of him driving the snakes out of the Irish mainland.
St. Patrick’s Day, as we now know it, however, was largely created by Irish immigrants in the United States. While the day celebrates the Irish, the first procession was held in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1601. The U.S. Colonies continued this tradition with the Irish Society of Boston organizing their first celebration of the holiday on March 17th of 1737. The day became a largely secular holiday, filled with parades and drinking, to celebrate the heritage of Irish immigrant populations. Cities with larger numbers of Irish immigrants, such as Boston and New York City, held their first St. Patrick’s Days in the mid 1700s. Chicago has even colored its river green each year since 1962 to celebrate the festive day.
1. Eating (or Drinking) Anything Green
Speaking of green, the color was first used to represent St. Patrick due to the popular Irish symbol of the shamrock. Practically every food is dyed green on St. Patrick’s Day. From beer to cakes to Shamrock Shakes, there is no shortage of festively green foods and beverages to get you in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. If you are looking for something less artificial, however, pesto and pistachio flavors add a delicious green hue to any dish. On the sweet end of things, spearmint flavoring can make for some tasty green treats as well, such as McDonald’s iconic Shamrock Shake.
2. Set a Trap for a Leprechaun
While in elementary school, my class—just like many others across the United States—would each year set up an elaborate leprechaun trap. The tradition began as a fun way to keep children involved in a holiday that can oftentimes revolve solely around adult activities (aka drinking as much green beer as you can). So, round up the kiddos on the night of the 16th and encourage them to be as creative as possible. They can use laundry baskets, decorated boxes, or even lay out chocolate coins to entice the tiny magical creatures.
3. Planting Shamrocks
Legend has it that St. Patrick himself used the three-leafed plant to explain the Holy Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). Over the years, the plant has persevered as a strong symbol of Irish nationalism, even appearing on the military uniforms of Irish regiments. Thus, planting shamrocks is an easy and fun way to commemorate this important plant. The plants are low maintenance, preferring cool temperatures and thriving in small, crowded pots.
4. ShamROCK out with some Irish Tunes
Whether you use Spotify or Apple Music, any popular streaming service will offer a festive St. Patrick’s Day playlist filled with lively Celtic jams. Essential St. Patrick’s Day playlists often include traditional folk songs, classic Irish rock, and high-energy Celtic punk to boost the energy. Staples include “Whiskey in the Jar,” “The Irish Rover,” and “Shipping Up to Boston.” For more recent songs, be sure to check out “Galway Girl” by Ed Sheeran for some fun Irish vibes.
5. Eat Traditional Irish Foods
Once you’ve located a nearby Irish pub or restaurant, be sure to get your hands on some traditional Irish meals. Irish food is typically defined as comforting and hearty, using simple ingredients such as root vegetables and fish. Popular dishes include Irish stew, bacon and cabbage, and soda bread.
6. Attempt to Split the G
What better way to wash down your traditional Irish meal than with a fresh pint of Guinness? Originating at St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin in 1759, this dark, creamy beer has long been the choice beverage of Irish drinkers. In Irish pub culture, splitting the “G” is a must when enjoying a pint of Guinness. This drinking game challenges you to consume enough of a pint in one sip so that the liquid aligns right in the middle of the “G” in the Guinness logo. While it is not an easy feat, order yourself a few Guinnesses to get some practice and show off your G-splitting skills to your friends this St. Patrick’s Day
7. Watch Live Irish Dancing
As a former Irish dancer myself, I can attest that there is nothing more exciting in the realm of Irish traditions than watching a jig performed live. And even if the famous Riverdance troupe isn’t stopping in your town this March, there is likely a nearby pub or event that will feature the fast-footed dancers. These Gaelic folk dances are sure to engage you and even push you onto your own feet for a little jig or two.
8. Learn How to Knit Aran Style
Finally, if you want to make a nice scarf or a warm pair of mittens, this St. Patrick’s Day could be the perfect time to learn how to knit Aran Style. Aran knitting comes from the Irish Aran Islands, and intricate, three-dimensional cable patterns define it. These include honeycombs and trellis stitches and were used for protection from the harsh Atlantic weather. All you need to do is Google a YouTube tutorial and grab your knitting needles!
Whether you’re planning a wild night out at the pub, a fun celebration indoors with the kids, or an afternoon of solitude spent knitting, these ideas are sure to shake up your St. Patrick’s Day this year. Please share your favorite ways to celebrate this fun holiday below!
Featured image via RDNE Stock project on Pexels
