St. Patrick's Day is always on March 17. This year, it falls on a Saturday. That's a good thing for those who will be celebrating. People will see more Green than usual because some Irish and others usually go all out.

It is a tradition for those of Irish descent and others to dress up in green clothes and accessories. Some people will not stop there. They will dye their hair and their bodies. Whatever alcoholic beverage they drink will probably be dyed in the color of he day.

Not the original color

Green is the color of choice for March 17, but very few people know that was not the color for St. Patrick's Day when it was celebrated in the 7th century.

Blue was the color associated with St. Patrick's Day at that time. St. Patrick is seen in many photos wearing the official color of sky blue which came to be known as St. Patrick's Blue. So, how and why did the color change?

From blue to green

The Irish flag has a lot to do with the color change. There are three colors on the flag. The green stripe represents the Irish Catholics. The orange on the flag represents the Protestants. The white in the middle of the flag symbolizes peace between the two religions.

According to the legend, St. Patrick used the shamrock to teach people about the Trinity made up of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The color of the plant came to be associated with St.

Patrick's Day.

Another reason green became associated with the day is because of leprechauns. The legend has it that they would pinch anyone not wearing their favorite color. Therefore, people wear green to avoid being pinched.

Green is incorporated into St. Patrick's Day

There are some other creative ways to incorporate green into St. Patrick's Day. Every year, Chicago dyes the water in the river green.

After just five hours, the water returns to its original color. Even so, thousands of people show up early every year to see the river while it is green. The color of other popular places and/or things around the world are also changed to green for one day only.

Some people who have a giving spirit will donate to a green cause. They donate money, water or other supplies to Concern Worldwide for people in need around the world. Another cause is "Zest!" It is an Irish cookbook with a lot of dishes to make. The proceeds from the sale of the book go to hospice care.

For those who are not drinking green beer, they can always drink something else such as Irish coffee or punch.

Also, make sure you have a bottle of green food coloring around to turn any food or drink into the color of the day.

If you are driving in your car with your children, play the game of spotting green cars. Expect to see a lot of pets dressed up on social media.

Just remember that no one needs to be "green" with envy on St. Patrick's Day. Just expect to spend some "greenbacks" in order to have fun.
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