May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun

And find your shoulder to light on,

To bring you luck, happiness, and riches

Today, tomorrow, and beyond.

~Irish blessing

Is your favorite color green? Whether it is or isn’t Saint Patricks Day, observed on March 17th each year, is the day to sport green and become invisible to leprechauns that pinch anyone they see.

The event began as a religious holiday but eventually became a celebration of Irish culture. The history of Saint Patrick’s day originated with Saint Patrick of Ireland. He was born in Britain in the fourth century, and arrived in Ireland when he was sixteen years old. He was sent to the country to work but in time became interested in Christianity and started teaching others about the religion and often converted many of the country’s residents.

Green was introduced to the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities in the 18th century but the color people originally associated it with was blue. The color was changed to green for various reasons, one being the shamrock which is a green plant that is used in many of St Patrick’s teachings and is now a national symbol, another being Ireland’s landscape of green leafy trees and grassy hills.

Traditions today include wearing green which is said to bring good luck, the dyeing of the Chicago River in Illinois green each year, Americans eating corned beef and cabbage, and the gathering of people to watch parades of traditional dancers and musicians as they march through city streets.

I hope you enjoyed Saint Patrick’s Day and took advantage of various opportunities and events to celebrate.