Every year on March 17, people around the globe celebrate St. Patrick's Day with festive parades, lively music, and, obviously, plenty of green. But beyond the usual partying, this holiday is also steeped in traditions that are believed to bring good fortune.
Whether you want to attract prosperity, ward off bad energy, or simply embrace the spirit of the holiday, here are some St. Patrick's Day traditions that might just bring a little extra luck your way.
Scroll to see the all the lucky St. Patrick's Day traditions that manifest a little extra fortune!
1. Wearing Green (And Pinching Those Who Aren't)
RDNE Stock project
One of the easiest ways to cash in on the luck of St. Patrick's Day is by wearing green. This hue has deep ties to Ireland, which is often called the "Emerald Isle" due to its lush, rolling landscapes. Beyond its natural beauty, green also carries historical significance and symbolizes Irish nationalism and cultural pride.
The best part? There's a mischievous side to this fun and festive tradition. More specifically, those who forget to wear the color might find themselves on the receiving end of a pinch.
This playful custom is more common in the U.S. than in Ireland and stems from the idea that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who are known for their trickster ways. So, to avoid being "spotted" (or pinched), make sure you add a splash of green to your outfit.
2. Drowning A Shamrock In Whiskey
Jill Wellington
In Ireland, a well-known tradition is "drowning the shamrock," and it's believed to bring good luck. The shamrock has long been linked with Irish heritage and fortune. It's said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.
So, on March 17, many celebrate by dropping a fresh shamrock into a glass of whiskey, drinking the beverage, and then tossing the shamrock over their left shoulder for good luck.
3. Doing An Irish Jig
Darlene Alderson
Get into the spirit of the holiday by learning an Irish jig! This energetic dance is a staple of Irish celebrations and is often performed in parades or festivals. It features quick footwork, pointed toes, and rhythmic hopping.
The Irish jig has deep roots in Celtic culture, possibly evolving from ancient clan marching tunes or early Celtic circle dances. Traditionally, Celts danced clockwise for joyous occasions and counterclockwise for mourning.
You can take a dance class, join in at a local event, or just work on some jig steps at home!
4. Searching For Four-Leaf Clovers
MH Shan
Hunting for a four-leaf clover is a classic St. Patty's Day pastime, and if you manage to find one, you should consider yourself super lucky.
While shamrocks typically have three leaves, the rare four-leaf clover is actually a genetic mutation, making it a real symbol of good fortune. In fact, experts estimate that only one in every 10,000 clovers has four leaves!
Test your luck this holiday by scanning a patch of clover quickly. Our brains are surprisingly good at spotting irregular patterns.
5. Release The "Devil" From Your Irish Soda Bread
Bijoux and Bits
Did you know that cutting a cross on top of Irish soda bread isn't just for aesthetics? According to Irish folklore, scoring a cross into the dough "lets the devil out" and ensures good luck and protection for your household.
This superstition, rooted in both Christian and pagan beliefs, was thought to ward off evil spirits. It also serves a practical purpose by allowing steam to escape, thus helping the bread bake evenly.
6. Run In A St. Patrick's Day Dash
Brett Sayles
Running a race might not be the first thing that comes to mind for March 17, but it's become a really fun tradition. St. Patrick's Day dashes can range from quick 5Ks to half marathons, with plenty of family-friendly walks for those who prefer a more leisurely pace.
Participants dress up in green, wear shamrocks, and sometimes even race while sporting leprechaun hats! It's a great way to stay active and possibly run your way into some good luck.
7. Chow Down On Corned Beef And Cabbage
Brit + Co
It's just not St. Patrick's Day without a plate of corned beef and cabbage. Even though many associated this dish with Ireland, it actually has Irish-American roots.
When Irish immigrants arrived in the U.S., they found corned beef to be a more affordable alternative to traditional bacon. Paired with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, it became a comforting and flavorful meal that stuck as a holiday staple.
8. Kiss Someone Who Is Irish
RDNE Stock project
Finally, you've definitely seen the phrase "Kiss me, I'm Irish" on T-shirts before. This fun saying is tied to the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, an act that's said to bring good luck.
However, not all of us have the ability to visit the Blarney Stone. So, kissing an Irish person is another way to honor the custom in the spirit of good fortune.
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