Celebrate Irish Pride With These St. Patrick’s Day Traditions
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
St. Patrick's Day may have originated across the pond all the way back in 1631, but we Americans have practically made the holiday our own! It's a day where people of all cultures can indulge in a pint of Irish beer and live it up at a St. Paddy's party. And aside from the partying of it all, there are plenty of St. Patrick's Day traditions that will fit your family. You can take part in some chill St. Patrick's Day activities, like watching Irish movies and making traditional Irish foods, that appeal to large and little leprechauns alike, too. If you're anything like Ree Drummond, that means whipping up corned beef and cabbage and Irish coffee!
In addition to all that chowing down, you and your family can also adopt some St. Patrick's Day traditions that you can carry from year to year. Bake treats with Irish flair like soda bread. Wear green from head to toe and avoid getting pinched. Search your backyard for shamrocks or four-leaf clovers. Read some heartfelt Irish blessings. Or perhaps even make a trip out of it and travel to a city to watch a festive St. Patrick's Day parade, complete with traditional dancing. However you choose to celebrate this holiday from the Emerald Isle, here are some traditions that will make it a lot more fun. Erin go Bragh!
Binge-Watch Irish Movies
While most of the St. Patrick's Day traditions you're familiar with probably involve being active in a parade or party, there are still plenty of traditions that don't involve leaving your couch. For one, you could brush up on your Irish history with a St. Patrick's Day movie marathon! Stream an Irish movie based on true stories, like My Left Foot, as well as fictional stories featuring Irish characters, like Brooklyn.
Snack on Irish Potatoes
Inspired by the Irish potato famine, this Philadelphian St. Patrick’s Day tradition is a potato-shaped candy—not the actual starch. “Irish potatoes” consist of a coconut and cream cheese truffle coated in cinnamon to represent a tiny potato covered in dirt.
Participate in a St. Patrick’s Day Dash
While much of America will be drinking their St. Patrick's Day away, many people alternatively show their Irish pride with a fun run! There are plenty of races you can sign up for ahead of March 17, from 5k's to half marathons, so you can sweat it out before dancing the night away at your St. Patrick's Day party!
Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage
It's a St. Patrick's Day staple! Gather your family at the dinner table for a hearty, Irish meal they won't soon forget. Try Ree's corned beef and cabbage recipe or make it in the slow cooker, and then don't forget to whip up some tasty dishes using the corned beef leftovers.
Watch Irish Stepdancing
Traditional Irish dancing is so lively and festive. Thankfully, many parades and events are natural fits, so go ahead and attend! You can certainly get into the spirit by turning on some Irish tunes and doing your best jigs around your living room, too.
Drown the Shamrock
Adults, listen up! At the end of the celebration, it is considered good luck to dunk a shamrock in a shot of whiskey. Drink and then throw the shamrock over your left shoulder. Irish whiskeys preferred, of course.
Make Irish Soda Bread
There's something so filling and satisfying about Irish soda bread, and you can make it a tradition each and every St. Patrick's Day. Try serving it alongside that stick-to-your-ribs corned beef and cabbage.
Wear Green
It's time to break out your green duds! Legend has it that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, so aim to wear it head-to-toe to be especially festive, or simply wear a St. Paddy's Day-inspired shirt or some fun accessories to get in the mood.
Pinch Anyone Who Isn't Wearing Green
Ouch! That's the sound of someone getting (gently) pinched who isn’t wearing green on St. Patrick's Day. Make it a funny little tradition with your family and friends.
Search for Four-Leaf Clovers
Although four-leaf clovers are pretty rare, you can find them from time to time in your own backyard. Head out with your kids to do some searching, or go to a local park to take your hunting on the road. You'll be instantly lucky if you find one!
Bake St. Patrick's Day-Themed Treats
Every holiday needs some desserts, and St. Patrick's Day is no exception. You can bake sweets that nod to the day like Gold Champagne Cupcakes, Chocolate-Mint Brownies, and Grasshopper Pie.
Go to a St. Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Patrick's Day parades are always a big deal, whether you live in a small town that puts one on or reside in a big city like New York or Chicago where the parade is a grand affair. See rivers turned green, spot people in festive costumes, and enjoy watching the floats with your family.
Sip a Guinness
Here's a tradition for the grown-ups! Sip a Guinness (or any Irish beer) after dinner, or try a twist on the tradition by making some truly delicious Guinness brownies.
Kiss Someone Who's Irish
We’re sure that you’ve heard the phrase, “Kiss me, I’m Irish!” It originates from the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, where people kiss it for good luck. For the next best thing, kiss an Irish friend or family member on the cheek!
Whip Up Your Own Shamrock Shakes
'Tis the season for shamrock shakes, and lots of ‘em. Instead of heading out to a fast-food restaurant for one, make your own shamrock shakes right at home.
Say 'Erin go Bragh'
Translating to “Ireland forever,” this Irish phrase is commonly said on the Emerald Isle, and you can bring the words stateside by making it a tradition to say to people throughout the day.
Wear a Leprechaun Hat
Pick up your very own leprechaun hat and be sure to wear it all day long. The cute costume is fun for both kids and adults.
Turn Your Beer Green
To transform your brew into a beverage that pays homage to St. Patrick's Day, all you need is an Irish beer and a couple drops of green food coloring. See, it's easy being green!
Read Irish Blessings
With phrases like, "May the leprechauns dance over your bed and bring you sweet dreams," and "May your right hand always be stretched out in friendship and never in want," reading Irish blessings is a sure way to get the warm fuzzies on this holiday.
Make Crafts
In the afternoon, sit down with your kiddos and craft the afternoon away. There are plenty of St. Patrick's Day crafts you can make that celebrate the day, like clover crowns, banners, and even your own blarney stones.
You Might Also Like
