03/17/2026
Happy St. Patrick's Day! From the National Portrait Gallery:
In America, St. Patrick’s Day is recognized by shamrocks, leprechauns, parades, and all things green. Irish soldiers—often indentured servants—in the British Army brought the holiday to America as early as 1762 when the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in New York City. As Irish immigration to America increased throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the holiday evolved into the celebration of Irish pride we observe today. However, in Ireland, there was a time when wearing the color green was punishable, as illustrated by the Irish nationalist ballad, “The Wearing of the Green.” The first stanza of the song reads:
“O Paddy dear, and did ye hear the news that's goin' round?
The shamrock is by law forbid to grow on Irish ground!
No more Saint Patrick's Day we'll keep, his color can't be seen
For there's a cruel law ag'in the Wearin' o' the Green."
I met with Napper Tandy, and he took me by the hand
And he said, "How's poor old Ireland, and how does she stand?"
"She's the most distressful country that ever yet was seen
For they're hanging men and women there for the Wearin' o' the Green."
