There are nearly 36 million people who claim Irish descent here in the United States – and virtually all of them are likely to be able to trace their roots back to their ancestors who arrived in the 1800’s, primarily through New York and Boston. And although there is some debate as to which city hosted the very first St. Patrick’s Day parade, there is no doubt that our area knows how to celebrate this day! The iconic St. Patrick’s Day parade, which marches down Fifth Avenue past St. Patrick’s Cathedral, is one of the largest events of its kind in the United States. And Blossom Flower Shops is right in the spirit of the holiday, with beautiful green florals and designs for this popular day. Everyone is Irish on March 17th – so while you are wearing your green, dress up your home or office as well!

Did You Know? St. Patrick was a Catholic missionary to Ireland, but he was not Irish. His given name was Maewyn Succat, and he was born in Great Britain. He came by his love for Ireland in a strange way – after having being kidnapped by pirates as a young man, they held him captive in the green countryside. 

There are many symbols associated with St. Patrick’s Day, but none is perhaps more storied than the 4-leaf clover. Interestingly, this plant was not the variety that Patrick used in his ministry. He used the much more common 3 leaf shamrock to teach children about the Trinity, but perhaps the legend was more interesting with the “luck of the Irish” twist. In order to find a very rare lucky 4-leaf clover, on average you’ll have to search through 10,000 clover stems.

“The Wearing of the Green” is a popular way for people to celebrate the holiday, and often the costumes can get a bit outrageous. It is also customary to give an affection “pinch” to anyone who forgot to wear their green on the holiday. Celebrants drink green beer, eat corned beef and cabbage, and some cities even turn their waterways green for a few hours (with safe, non-toxic food coloring)  in order to turn the town green.

If you have friends or relatives proud of their Irish heritage, this is a great time to send them a bright green bouquet from Blossom Flower Shops.