Miff Jones watches the St. Patrick’s Day parade in York (file photo)
Wearing green and dining on corned beef and cabbage are some wholesome ways to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. With all of this holiday’s festive green drinks, it is easy to quickly lose sight of certain social graces.
Here is your guide to staying socially smart this year when out for St. Patrick’s Day!
Let us begin with the proper abbreviation of St. Patrick’s Day. It is St. Paddy’s Day. Paddy is the proper abbreviation of Patrick.
St. Paddy’s Day celebrations are so mainstream today you may find yourself out celebrating but unsure of what this holiday is all about.
Educate yourself on the history of the holiday. Also brush up on your Irish history and current affairs in Ireland; this will make for interesting conversation topics.
St. Paddy’s Day facts
- St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 internationally.
- This holiday commemorates Saint Patrick, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.
- In the early 17th century St. Patrick’s Day was made an official feast day.
- The day is generally celebrated by wearing green. Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are also lifted.
Be Smart when celebrating
Wear green to show your St. Paddy’s Day support. Make sure to wear your green visibly and in accordance with whatever dress code policy your workplace might have.
St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday this year. Do remember Monday night that you’ll need to wake up for work bright and early Tuesday.
It is a long-standing tradition to pinch someone who is not wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day. There is a time and place for all things, and the workplace is not appropriate to carry out this part of St. Paddy’s Day fun. Only pinch a significant other to avoid an uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing situation.
Remember to drink in moderation and have a designated driver. Never drink and drive.
Related links
FlipSide shares a roundup of local St. Paddy’s Day events
Entertain the kiddos at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade with this scavenger hunt
York releases details on its St. Patrick’s Day Parade
A wee sip o’ Irish: Fun St. Patrick’s Day drinks to mix up