Why do we wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? Many theories circulate on the web. Some of these theories focus on green being part of the Irish flag, Ireland being a lush green country, and honoring an old Irish custom of spreading ashes on the fields to enrich the land. Sadly, there is a darker truth behind why we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day wearing green.
Why We Wear Green on St. Patrick’s Day
English Repression
Ireland has faced significant scrutiny and attacks from England throughout its history. At various times, the Irish people were subjected to near enslavement. “The Wearing of the Green” is an Irish song that highlights England’s repression of Ireland during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Wearing a shamrock symbolized rebellion, and green was also the color associated with the Society of the United Irishmen, a Republican revolutionary group. Consequently, wearing these revolutionary symbols was punishable by hanging.
The Wearing of Green
Why do we wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? It symbolizes freedom and rebellion, which is why so many participate in this tradition today. Like many holidays celebrated worldwide each year, the significance of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day didn’t grow until the Irish immigrated to America. This shift wasn’t due to the commercialization of the holiday, which occurred later; it stemmed from the American Irish seeking to strengthen their political influence in this country. They organized their voting bloc, known as the “green machine.” This Irish movement became a vital swing vote for political candidates, leading to the encouragement to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day to assist politicians in winning elections.
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