The Meaning of Irish Green: Why We Wear It On St Patrick’s Day
St Patrick’s Day celebrations take place all over the world on 17th March, with cities, towns and villages turning green for the day. From green wigs and clothing for fancy dress parades to the dyeing of the entire Chicago River, green is the colour of Ireland, and the meaning behind it is complex.
The story of Ireland is interwoven with the colour green, and like the stunning Irish landscape, the many gorgeous items of clothing in our collection feature many shades and tones to choose from. Let’s take a look at the inspiration for Irish greens, from the ancient legends to the plants that adorn the Irish countryside. We’ll explore the meaning behind the green associations and share some of our designs that are simply perfect for St Patrick’s Day.
The Irish Landscape: Gorgeous Greens
Ireland is renowned for being one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and the variety of greens in the landscape is truly breathtaking. From the rolling hills to the wild cliffs, moss-covered forests and ancient moors, there are muted shades, bright spring tones and deep, rich colours that create a varied palette that alters with the seasons and the weather.
Capturing the layers of green is a challenge that our skilled craftspeople have risen to over the years. Our woven and knitted garments showcase the finest Irish greens, and our tweed fabrics and Aran sweaters are beautiful examples. Some of these are still dyed using natural dyes from plants, mosses and lichens, and these give rich, earthy tones. These are ideal St Patrick’s Day clothing, rooting us in the colours that make Ireland so special.
The History of Irish Identity in Green
St Patrick is often depicted in blue in early medieval images, but from around the 18th century, green took over as the national colour of Ireland. This was largely due to the shift in Irish identity that took place at this time, and the resistance to British rule that was instrumental in this. During the difficult years of political warring and power struggles, symbols such as the colour green and the Irish shamrock became firmly embedded as icons of Ireland.
Green became associated with Irish nationalism and was often worn as a discreet way to show allegiance to the Irish cause. While it was impossible to publicly declare loyalty to Ireland and the fight for independence, a small gesture such as wearing green could come to have great significance and symbolise unity and strength in national identity.
The colour green became recognised in Ireland as a symbol of solidarity and is mentioned in many folk songs, as well as appearing in a lot of folk tales and legends. Over the years, green became a core element associated with Irish culture, and it has become a popular tradition to wear green clothing on St Patrick’s Day in honour of these associations.
Irish Myths and Legends
Ireland has a rich catalogue of myths and legends, and the folklore that underpins many of the old stories is full of colour, especially green. Ireland has Celtic roots, and green is associated with nature spirits and the fairytale realm. The colour green was linked with fertility, and with the threshold between worlds, and the fresh greens of the Irish mosses and grasslands are often seen in images of fairyland.
Green was believed to be the colour of the magical realm in which the fairy folk lived, and today, stories still reflect concerns about wearing too much green in case of attracting attention from mischievous beings. Green, in all its different shades, can be seen to represent nature and the magical ‘other’ world, and brings land and legend together to unite the real with the ethereal.
St Patrick’s Day Across the World
When the Irish first began to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, it was a day for religious services and feasting. Throughout the years, it became a cultural festival that included music, dancing and good craic, both in Ireland and all over the globe. Irish communities in America began to scale up the celebrations, and today, there are huge parades and community events in many cities and towns across the USA.
The colour green is associated with Irish identity and heritage, and it is worn to show unity and connection with Ireland and the history of this special place. Many people see St Patrick’s Day as a great opportunity to connect with their Irish roots and celebrate their ancestors, while having a wonderful time! From the Chicago river dyed green to a series of famous landmarks illuminated in green lights, the colour is synonymous with St Patrick’s Day and with Ireland itself.
Irish Craftsmanship: Traditions that Tell a Story
The textile industry in Ireland has been thriving for centuries, and Irish Linen and Irish Tweed are renowned all over the world for their high quality and luxurious finish. At Weavers of Ireland, we are proud to maintain traditional craftsmanship by working with artisan producers who still use these skills. In the past, knitted and woven garments were made from Irish sheep wool, and today this is often combined with the softest luxury wools from around the world, including Angora and Cashmere.
Aran sweaters, tweed caps and tweed jackets are statement pieces that are intertwined with Irish identity, and the rich palettes reflect the colours of the Irish landscape. These garments were originally produced to keep farmers and fishermen warm and dry while they worked, and today they are worn by men and women all over the planet and are firmly established at the top of the fashion charts!
Our Top Picks in Green
It’s not mandatory to dress in green on St Patrick’s Day, but it certainly contributes to the celebratory feel of the occasion!
• Lambswool Celtic Ruana Wrap. If you’re going for a versatile style or perhaps joining your local St Patrick’s Day celebrations for part of the day, a wrap is a good way to adapt your outfit or add an extra layer to carry on enjoying the craic all evening! The Lambswool Celtic Ruana Wrap in Emerald Green is a warm and cosy option in a stunning shade of bright green, and it’s the perfect way to honour your Irish roots.
• Cable Knit Crew Neck Aran Wool Sweater. You can’t beat the classic cable knit sweater when you want to be comfortable all day, and if you’re planning to make the most of the parades and events, that has to be a priority! We love the Cable Knit Crew Neck Aran Wool Sweater, which is made from 100% Pure New Wool, and we’re especially fond of the Moss Green shade that is ideal for St Patrick’s Day and all year round. The traditional style sweater features stitching patterns, including Cable stitch and Honeycomb stitch, which have been used to embellish these practical designs since they were first created on the Aran Islands many years ago.
• Men’s Fisherman Crew Neck Aran Sweater. You can pay homage to your Irish roots twice over with this traditional Men’s Fisherman Crew Neck Aran Sweater that was originally developed by the coastal communities of Ireland. You can choose from classic Army Green or vibrant Valley Green, depending on the impact you want to make on St Patrick’s Day, and you’ll reach for this sweater again and again as your perfect partner for outdoor activities or cosying up inside. It’s made from 100% Donegal Tweed Wool, and the striking ribbed knit design is both flattering and versatile, making it suitable for everyday wear or special events.
• Ladies Tweed Newsboy Hat. To add a touch of personality and charm to your outfit on St Patrick’s Day, a hat is the perfect accessory. The Ladies Tweed Newsboy Hat in Green and Yellow is a great choice, with a green-and-yellow colourway that reflects the natural shades of Killarney National Park, where the Mucros Weavers Studio is located. It’s made from 100% wool tweed with a leather rosette to add a touch of style, and it will complement your casual outfit, formalwear or fancy dress costume for St Patrick’s Day.
• Merino Roll Neck Sweater. The Merino Roll Neck Sweater is a comfortable, quality style that simply oozes sophistication. We love the distinctive rolled edge on the collar, cuffs and hem, creating the unique fisherman’s style sweater that can be worn for casual or formal events. The Army Green is popular and is a great choice for St Patrick’s Day as well as every other day of the year! This is a practical choice that will protect against the elements due to the natural water resistance of the wool, and it’s just as well-suited to a night in the local pub as it is to a coastal walk, so it’ll soon become a firm favourite in your wardrobe.
• Ladies Celtic Jacquard Aran Sweater. The Ladies Celtic Jacquard Aran Sweater is a truly special design that honours Irish heritage with its beautiful traditional Celtic motifs. It’s a soft and cosy style that is made from 100% Merino Wool, and it works well with jeans and boots as well as with a more formal outfit. The green shade is perfect for St Patrick’s Day, with a rich, natural colour blend that looks and feels luxurious.
• Pamela Magee Donegal Tweed Coat. The Pamela Magee Donegal Tweed Coat in Green Herringbone is a sophisticated choice that pays tribute to your Irish roots without looking like fancy dress. It’s a stunning coat that is structured and flattering, and the signature Donegal Tweed is a gorgeous choice. We love the moleskin detailing on the collar, and the classic dot lining is a lovely finishing touch. Whatever you’re wearing on St Patrick’s Day, this is the perfect outerwear to complete your look.
Go Green for St Patrick’s Day
St Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate our identity and the history that makes Ireland such a special place. Wearing green is a tradition that connects us with our past, with the land our ancestors lived on, and with the Irish spirit that has endured so much. From lucky shamrocks to green costumes, your St Patrick’s Day outfit is a chance to let your personality shine as you honour the occasion. Make sure you’re comfortable and will be happy in your outfit all day long, so you can really let your hair down and enjoy the festivities!
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day with us at Weavers of Ireland
At Weavers of Ireland, we have an extensive selection of clothing and homewares that show off the very best of Irish craftsmanship, and we include only the highest quality wools and tweeds in our collection. We believe that the traditional skills of weaving and knitting have played a vital role in Ireland’s heritage, and it is important to us to preserve these skills for future generations to enjoy. Most of our items are available in a variety of colours and shades, and these are often inspired by the countryside and seascapes of Ireland.
As well as our Aran sweaters, cardigans, scarves and wraps, we have a range of tweed clothing, including jackets, caps and coats made from the finest wool tweed. You can find exquisite accessories to finish off your outfit or make the perfect gift, including tweed handbags and Celtic jewellery that celebrates the legends and myths underpinning Ireland’s identity. We have stores across Ireland, including on the Aran Islands, where Aran sweaters originated, and you can visit us in store or explore our range online to find your new wardrobe favourites.
