St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17th, is a holiday that is
synonymous with green beer. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we drink
green beer on this holiday? In this article, we will explore the history and
traditions behind this beloved St. Patrick's Day tradition.
The Origins of St. Patrick's Day
Before we dive into the history of green beer, it's important to
understand the origins of St. Patrick's Day. This holiday is named after Saint
Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick was a Christian missionary
who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century. St.
Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17th, the day of Saint Patrick's death.
The Tradition of Green
Green has long been associated with Ireland and St. Patrick's Day. This
is because green is the color of the shamrock, a symbol of Ireland and a plant
that is said to have been used by Saint Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity to
the Irish people. Additionally, green is the color of spring, which is often
associated with new life and rebirth.
The History of Green Beer
The tradition of drinking green beer on St. Patrick's Day can be traced
back to the early 20th century. In 1914, a New York City bar owner named Dr.
Thomas Hayes Curtin wanted to attract more customers to his bar on St.
Patrick's Day. He decided to add a few drops of green food coloring to his beer
to make it stand out and attract attention. The idea was a hit and soon other
bars began to follow suit.
The Science Behind Green Beer
Today, green beer is made by adding a few drops of green food coloring to
a light-colored beer, such as a pilsner or lager. The food coloring is
typically added to the beer after it has been poured into a glass, but some
bars may add it directly to the keg. The amount of food coloring used can vary,
but it is typically a small amount to achieve a light green color.
The Tradition Continues
Today, drinking green beer on St. Patrick's Day has become a widespread
tradition, not just in the United States but in other countries as well. In
Ireland, however, the tradition of drinking green beer is not as popular.
Instead, the Irish tend to stick to their traditional Irish stouts and ales on
this holiday.
Other Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's
Day
While drinking green beer may be the most well-known tradition on St.
Patrick's Day, there are many other ways to celebrate this holiday. Some
popular activities include attending parades, wearing green clothing, and
cooking traditional Irish dishes. You can also participate in the tradition of
dyeing the Chicago River green, which has been a tradition since 1962.
So, why do we drink green beer on St. Patrick's Day? It's a fun and
festive way to celebrate this holiday and honor the traditions of Ireland.
Whether you choose to drink green beer or stick to your favorite Irish stout,
St. Patrick's Day is a time to come together and celebrate the rich culture and
history of Ireland. Cheers!
Allen Farrish from the Tie Dyed Shop
The Tie Dyed Shop proudly sells an Ocean Teal Spiral tie dye shirt. The tee shirt is made from 100% heavy weight cotton and features shades of the unique teal color in the classic tie dye spiral design. This item is available in short sleeves for adults, and you can view and obtain more product information at TD087 Teal Clothing. You can also view 6 pages of shirts at our Tie Dye Shirts section.
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