Luck of the Irish

Many St. Patrick’s Day traditions revolve around luck. Ironically, the Irish have been a very unlucky people as history will tell. The phrase “Luck of the Irish” can be traced to the 1800s during the U.S. gold rush where a high number of Irish people found gold and silver. Since Irish immigrants were viewed as incapable any success was deemed as luck, hence “Luck of the Irish”

 

 


Lucky Number 7

A rainbow has 7 easily distinguishable colors. Both the rainbow and the number 7 are symbols of luck around the world. In slot machines, triple sevens means you’ve hit the jackpot… your own pot of gold!

 

 


Special Shamrocks

3-Leaf Clover
According to Christian legend, St Patrick used the 3-leaf clover to teach the Irish pagans about the trinity.

4-leaf clover 
According to legend. Each of the four leaves represents something: hope, faith, love and luck, respectively.

 

 


 

 

 


Green: Is it Lucky?

In the 19th century, green became a symbol of Ireland (also called “The Emerald Isle”). Wearing green is patriotic, and considered lucky especially on St. Patrick’s Day. The tradition of pinching those not wearing green began in Ireland many years ago.

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago dyes the Chicago River green for the day, and many pubs serve green beer as a tradition. Don’t worry, it’s safe to drink.

 

 


Lucky Leprechauns

Root: leipreachan (pigmy or fairy), luchrupan (small body), or leathbhrogan (shoe maker).

In Irish folklore, the Leprechauns are cranky fairies who mend the shoes of the other fairies. They have magical powers and delight in mischief and trickery, which they use to guard their fabled treasures. If you catch a Leprechaun he must grant 3 wishes. Good luck!

 

 


Kiss The What?

There is a stone of legend called “The Blarney Stone” which is set in the wall of a castle in the Irish village of Blarney. The stone is said to have magical powers, and whoever kisses the stone with have powers of persuasion. Many Scottish kings were crowned of this fated stone because it was believed to have special powers. Best keep your kiss to a small peck, since millions of people have kisses this stone.