March 17 is full of fun and unique traditions. However, some traditions evolved over time.

   Saint Patrick’s Day is held on the day of St. Patrick’s death in 461. The Irish celebrated his countless contributions to the community such as schools, monasteries, and churches he built according to Briticanna. 

   To celebrate that day, they donned their best blues to commemorate St. Patrick. Blue was his signature color similar to Ireland’s chivalry, The Order of Saint Patrick according to Reader’s Digest. Also, the color was seen in early Irish mythology as Flaitheas Éireann which is the symbol of Irish sovereignty.

   When King Henry VIII took the throne and considered Ireland as a part of England, people rebelled with the shamrock of St. Patrick’s. Henry continued to use the blue color so the Irish moved towards green to symbolize Irish culture. 

   Another aspect that has changed over time is that the infamous leprechaun was not always green. The mythological creature who was described in many Irish folktales originally wore red.

   According to CBS News, “He wears a red square-cut coat, richly laced with gold, and the inexpressible of the same, cocked hat, shoes and buckles,” Samuel Lover, the author of “Legends and Stories of Ireland”, said.

   They were fairy-like shoemakers who hid their riches at the end of the rainbow in forests, mountains, or rocks according to the World Atlas. The Leprechauns were described as greedy and ugly in the folktales.

   In the early 20th century, the creatures started to be seen as green. This was the start of Ireland’s independence and green was the shorthand of everything Irish.

    Those are a couple of modified traditions of the beloved holiday!