Green has always been my favorite color. It forever echoes field, forest and garden. It is Earth-harmonious and calming. Green is, however, quite another story when March appears. Suddenly green is everywhere. Many otherwise predictable and unremarkable food groups even take on the tint. Pasta, beer, oatmeal, baked goods will all appear green, and will be scooped up by patrons sporting green shirts, green jewelry, and even green hair. It will be St. Patrick’s Day!

The color green is synonymous with Ireland and Irish culture, and it is true that the association is steeped in history of the emerald isle.

Firstly, the moderate climate of Ireland preserves the unique and lush color of the vegetation surrounding the countryside. Each postcard attests to the almost surreal beauty of the landscape.

Important from a historical perspective, since the Great Irish Rebellion of 1641, green represents the Catholic Church. This is held proudly on the Irish flag (while the orange represents the Protestant sector, and a white stripe between is a symbol of ‘peace’).

Irish folklore has it that green is also an important ‘safety measure’. Tales of old and new warn that feisty little Leprechauns would pinch you should you be caught not wearing the color green.

All this comes into sharp focus on March 17… a date that marks the passing of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. He was known to have used the green shamrock to teach the Holy Trinity, but surprisingly, his color of historical reference was blue!

Hmmm… this color combo actually works well. When you don your green to show Irish for a day, it just makes perfect sense to celebrate with a hearty chunk of Cashel (a wonderful farmstead Irish blue) and a pint of your favorite green. Erin Go Bragh!!