Saint Patrick’s Day, an annual feast of Saint Patrick, one of the patron saints of Ireland, is held on March 17 every year. Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations are generally themed around all things Irish–wearing of the color green, eating Irish food, imbibing in Irish drink and attending parades.

The largest St. Patrick’s Day parade is held in New York City and it is watched by over 2 million spectators. The first one was held in Boston in 1761, organized by the Charitable Irish Society. Some cities paint the traffic stripe of their parade routes green. Chicago has dyed its river green since 1961 when sewer workers used green dye to check for sewer discharges, and then got the idea to turn the river green for St. Patrick’s Day.

Green, the color most widely associated with St. Patrick’s Day, may have gained its prominence through the phrase “wearing of the green,” meaning to wear a shamrock on your clothing. St. Patrick used the shamrock, a 3-leafed plant, to explain the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity.

Traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day are pinched, although this practice is alien to those who actually come from Ireland. Another way to wear green is to put on a lapel pin. Some of the more popular St. Patrick’s Day pins depict a shamrock, a leprechaun or just cute sayings like “Kiss me, I’m Irish!” and “Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!” Fancier ones feature green glitter or blinking lights.

The Monterey Company can create custom-made St. Patrick’s Day lapel pins for 2009! You don’t even need finished artwork—just an idea. Our friendly sales team and designers can create a pin that features your Irish family crest, a photo or family name. There are endless possibilities! Let’s talk about them! Call toll-free 1-800-259-6496.

In the meantime, we’ll leave you with An Old Irish Blessing:

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!