Rushing down the stairs, children hurry to leprechaun traps to see if this was the year they made history as the first to catch the mystical creature. Green-dyed milk splashes onto the counter with the anticipation of the delicious taste of Lucky Charms cereal. Images of traditional Irish meals fill the thoughts of many as St. Patrick’s Day approaches. This day has been celebrated for centuries, allowing the growth of fun traditions around the world. 

Although not the origin country of the holiday, the United States created many traditions of its own throughout the years. Parades started in the U.S., with the first St. Patrick’s Day parade taking place in Florida. In 1970, McDonald’s introduced a popular March treat called the Shamrock Shake, which is made of vanilla ice cream, Shamrock Shake syrup, and whipped cream. This sugary milkshake was released for the season on Feb. 21, 2022, along with the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry. The Chicago River is dyed green annually with a secret recipe that keeps the water colored for around five hours. 

“[I think the Shamrock Shake is] a good tasting shake, and it has a really cool green color,” Dominic Slovisky, sophomore, said. 

The U.S. is not the only country with fun ways to celebrate the day. An Australian neighborhood called The Rocks transforms into an Irish village and sets up food venders, live music, and fun activities for people to participate in. The London Eye in England is given a green hue in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. In Belgium, a popular landmark statue, known as Manneken Pis, wears a knit sweater. 

“I love the variety of traditions held around the world, and it is really cool to see how the holiday spread to faraway places,” Avery DiGirolamo, junior, said.  

While the world is enjoying the traditions and history behind St. Patrick’s Day, Etowah students have their own. Dyeing drinks green is also a popular activity. Many often wear green around the Etowah campus to avoid a family or friend’s pinch. Green makes one invisible to a mischievous leprechaun’s pinch, which is the belief that inspired the custom. 

“My family and I wear green on St. Patrick’s Day every year and I think it is a super fun way to celebrate,” Ardyn Johnson, freshman, said. 

As March 17 comes closer, do not forget green dye or a green shirt for a lucky day. For more on the history behind St. Patrick’s Day visit here.