How to Actually Celebrate St Patrick’s Day
Ah, Ireland. The land of Saints, Scholars, Guinness and verdant landscapes. And every 17th of March, one of the most celebrated holidays internationally. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2024, I’m here to tell you just how!
And how do I know what I’m talking about? I am 100% Irish, from the smallest town that you would never find so we’re already off to a good start. In this post, we’ll discuss things you should DEFINITELY avoid doing on Paddy’s Day and some traditions to follow.
Table of Contents
Stop Calling It St. Patty’s Day
Thousands of Brits celebrate St Patrick’s Day each year, so my first piece of advice on how to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, is to get the name right. If you’ve ever found yourself googling “is it st patty or paddys”, then this section is for you, dear reader.
According to Collins dictionary, patty (ˈpæti) a small, flat cake of minced meat. Yum, right?
Paddy, on the other hand, is a diminutive form of Patrick. Not food-related and entirely logical, correct?
St Patrick didn’t bring Christianity to Ireland only to be given the nickname of a hamburger. And I would consider us Irish to be peace-loving people, but everyone has their limit.
Stop Saying These Things
On the subject of phrases that are banned from uttering on this sacred day, I’ve compiled a list.
If you’re planning on celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Cork, Galway or with some Irish friends, avoid mentioning these for your own safety and to keep the friendships.
"Top O’ The Morning" or "Begorrah"
If I had a euro for every time someone has said “Top O’The Morning” to me in jest, I would unfortunately be a very, very rich woman. Contrary to popular belief and the Simpsons, I don’t greet my neighbour with this phrase. Why? Because if I did, I’d be exiled.
Any Mention of Potatoes
While also being a topic laden with history and oppression, it’s not the only food that we eat.
I will admit, that there are few greater things in this world than spuds and melted, Kerry Gold butter. Have they made many a day brighter, and many a hangover easier to bear? There’s no denying it. But, it’s still best to steer clear of mention of this root.
Funnily enough, these carb-loaded delights didn’t just sprout one rainy afternoon; rather they were imported by the Spaniards to Europe circa 1500s!
Start Wearing Better St Patrick’s Day Shirts
If you’re looking to follow St Patrick’s traditions and dress up for the day, go ahead and enjoy yourself! It’s a day of celebration and having the craic after all.
But. BUT.
You guys have to start wearing better St Patrick’s Day Shirts.(Like the ones we make at Wordans – they have the Irish seal of approval.) Any sighting of “Kiss me, I’m Irish”, “Luck of the Irish”, or “Lucky Charms”, I will personally see to it that you are denied entry from the country on this day.
We have eyes everywhere; chalk it down to all of our leprechauns.
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Never, Ever Do This
Any alcoholic drink that touches your lips should not, and must not be dyed green. To say it’s sacrilegious is a smidgen dramatic, so we’ll just leave it as a big DON’T for this day.
Pinching people who don’t wear green was a tradition adopted by those in America to liven the festivities even more. Such a “tradition” has not reached Ireland and would frankly be frowned upon. So, unless you’re looking to get a black-eye that offsets your emerald shirt, I would strongly advise against this one.
St Patrick’s Traditions To Follow
When it comes down to it, the 17th of March is a day that we in Ireland and abroad look forward to with excitement! There are some St Patrick’s Days traditions to follow to help you get the most out of the day. .
Spend It With Family and Friends
If anything, it’s a day to enjoy the company of family and friends with the lively spirit that us Irish are known for. Check out a local parade and see what St Patrick’s Day events are being held near you! There’s also zero shame in blaring “Shipping Up To Boston” by DropKick Murphys or getting lost in the Dubliners or Pogues best hits. In fact, I would personally recommend it.
And even though green beer is banned, green ice-cream is not. Experience the absolute pleasure of eating a 99 icecream with a flake and loaded with sprinkles is utter bliss while you’re watching the parade march past.
Do Wear Green
Did you know that the colour blue was historically associated with St Patrick? Nowadays, this date is linked to the verdant landscape, the tricolour flag and due to widely held belief, when St Patrick explained the Holy Trinity with the help of a green three-leaf clover. (Four leaves don’t exist, FYI.)
Emerald, olive, forest or pine – today is the day to dress up in green! Add some accessories, accented make-up and if you’re partial to it, a St Patrick’s Day hat.
Enjoy The Day, Respectfully
Before you take to the streets or paint those shamrocks on your face, it’s important to take some time to understand where the origins of this date, why it’s actually celebrated and brush up on some St Patrick’s Day facts!
Hint number one: It’s not because St Patrick banished snakes from Ireland.
Born circa 387 in Roman Britain (that’s right – our patron saint isn’t Irish), he was enslaved and brought to Ireland, where he worked as a shepard. After escaping and seeking refuge in a monastery, he later returned to Ireland to allegedly preach the word of Christianity.
I hope that this blog has helped you understand how to celebrate St Patrick’s Day properly – à la Irish. Draped in Wordans green sweaters, surrounded by family and friends and having the absolute craic is how it’s done!
If you need any more inspiration, check out our Instagram @wordans_europe.
