St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the globe for religious and cultural reasons. The day was established to commemorate St. Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It is also a day to celebrate the Irish Culture. Stereotypes aside, many people, whether of Irish decent or not, partake in celebrating this day. At Rogue Star, you know we see it as a grand opportunity to rock a new tee. We print many shirts that are green or sport green artwork such as the classical shamrock. But what is the history behind these Irish symbols?
Green
You can’t think of St. Patrick’s day without thinking about the colour green. If you were caught in the hallways at school without wearing a noticeable shade of emerald, your friends would take full advantage of pinching you for punishment. Green has been associated with Ireland as early as the 1640’s. At the beginning it was in association with Irish Catholicism as opposed to the orange colour that was sported by the Irish Protestants. Today, wearing green has now been associated more with Irish nationalism since the use of it during the rebellious movement against the British rule in 1798. Show off your support for Irish nationalism and make yourself a custom green t-shirt that you can wear all year long.
Shamrock
The shamrock is associated with St. Patrick’s successful conversion of Irish pagans to Christianity by using the three-leafed clover to demonstrate the Holy Trinity. It is speculated that it was effective due to the pagans already having triad deities in their pantheon and their ability to relate to this new dogma. The sacred four-leaf clover, known as an indicator of good fortune, was deemed lucky as it represents the cross that Jesus Christ was persecuted upon. The clover, in fact, more closely represents the equal-armed cross which has long since been a Celtic pagan symbol for nature and balance. Whichever symbolic meaning resonates with you, it is still associated with Irish culture and this day of celebration. So why not get a special St. Patrick’s day shirt that has the flora right on the front?
Drinking
Aside from the well known stereotype that Irish folk can hold their liquor, one might be a little confused about the booze considering it’s such a religious holiday. For many Catholic churches, there is a religious observance called Lent that starts on Ash Wednesday and ends about six weeks later, just before Easter Sunday. Many make this a time of fasting to replicate Jesus Christ’s 40 day journey in the desert. The restrictions associated with this observance are raised to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and therefore the feasting and drinking commence. It is believed that’s how the association was made. Today, many take this opportunity to “make merry” and have a good, fun time. Why not celebrate the more intoxicating aspects of St. Patrick’s day with a funny shirt?
