The Wearing of the Green

The George W. Bush White House, 2004. Click to enlarge

Today is St. Patrick’s Day, and I’m fascinated by the American convention of wearing green for this holiday.  Do the Irish themselves do it, I wonder? And is there any other holiday when a certain color is considered a requirement? When I was in elementary school, it was common practice to pinch those who weren’t wearing green.

I guess Laura Bush did not have much choice when she met the Irish Prime Minister on St. Patrick’s Day in 2004. In her late fifties here, she wears a crisp suit in the color most associated with the holiday, a kelly Green.  It looks good on her, but not on everyone.  If you have to wear green, I say, find your own shade.  That bunch of shamrocks offers many more possibilities.

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2 Responses to The Wearing of the Green

  1. Ha – never was pinched for not wearing green here on St Patricks day – it was a ‘thing’ when I was a child to wear something green (often just a ribbon in your hair or more if you had it) and over the years its become bigger and bling-ier (but what hasn’t)-ultimately I often think its associated with ‘rebel’ songs like ‘the wearing of the green’.

    I often think of it as a forgetten colour in fashion – its a great colour and can look so stricking

  2. I read somewhere that the Irish actually wear blue on St. Patrick’s day!

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