Enjoy St Patrick's Day crafts with a little "makin' o' the green!" St
Patrick's Day, March 17, grew from a religious feast day in the early
17th century into an all-out, all-things-Irish international holiday by
the
20th century. It is a wonderful excuse for St Patrick's Day crafts, because
the guidelines are clear - make it green.Many St Patrick's Day crafts are wearable, because they are meant to demonstrate pride in being Irish for a day. Handmade green clothing, hats, scarves and jewelry are very popular. Many decorate their homes with green banners, door wreaths and decorations. And for the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner, create your own handmade napkin rings, table favors and centerpieces! The theme of the day is green, green, green. By February, one can find green tinsel garland, green flowers, shamrocks of every ilk, clay pipes, harps, Irish hats, and Celtic embellishments in every crafts store. But the fun is in making your own decorations that declare, "I am proud to be Irish-(fill in nationality)!" Yes - we are both of Irish descent and our blood runs green. In that spirit we've created some St Patrick's Day crafts that really "get the Irish up." As always, if you need anything for your St Patrick's Day crafts, Joann.com St Patrick's Day Crafts
The Many Symbols of St Patrick's DayAh, it makes my Irish blood proud to see the wearin' o' the blue. Yes, that's right. Saint Patrick Blue was the traditional color for St. Patrick's feast day, first celebrated on March 17 in the early 17th century. Saint Patrick (died cir. 460 AD) is one of Ireland's patron saints, famous for banishing snakes from the island, and for using the three-leafed shamrock to symbolize the Holy Trinity. In fact, it was the Irish Catholic custom of wearing shamrocks on the lapel - "the wearin' o' the green" - that turned the whole country Kelly Green by the 19th century.St Patrick's Day is observed (through bleary eyes) in Ireland, Great Britain, Canada, Australia and America, and much of the English-speaking world. Parades and festivals celebrate Irish culture, people wear green to avoid being pinched, beer and stout sales go through the roof - and we make decorations and send greeting cards festooned with Irish national symbols. Interestingly, the vintage images we have come to associate with St Patrick's Day cards of the late 19th century are American inventions, and never got much traction in Ireland. Although St Patrick's Day was declared an official Irish holiday in 1903, it was widely celebrated through the 19th century, and brought to America by Irish immigrants. The three-leafed shamrock is the most predominant symbol, because of its direct association with Saint Patrick. Often depicted in vintage images is the Irish harp, a stringed folk instrument legendarily played for Irish kings on the Hill of Tara. Scenes of Ireland's landscapes, lakes, bridges and castles adorned early greeting cards. White clay pipes and walking sticks called Shillelaghs are also traditional. Snakes have a cameo role, as do pigs, potatoes and horseshoes, symbolizing prosperity and luck. "Erin Go Bragh" proudly declares, "Ireland Forever." Leprechauns and their pots of gold, oddly enough, don't get associated with St Patrick's Day until late in the 20th century. St Patrick's Day is a celebration of cultural pride, not just for the Irish, but for everyone who values their heritage.
Do you have favorite St Patrick's Day crafts or card designs? We would enjoy hearing from you with ideas, comments or questions. Please, contact us with a note! Return from St Patrick's Day Crafts to the Home Page
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