St. Patrick’s Day and the Symbolism of the Color Green

When you think of the color green, what comes to mind? Do you picture rolling hills, fields of clovers, or the fresh growth of spring? Perhaps green makes you think of luck, leprechauns, or even a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Green is a color rich with symbolism, and its connections to nature, renewal, and prosperity are celebrated worldwide—especially during St. Patrick’s Day in March! Let us look at St. Patrick’s Day and the symbolism of the color green together.

Personal Take on Colors

Teaching children to explore colors beyond their basic associations is an exciting journey. While green is commonly linked to plants, money, and even envy, history reveals that colors carry deeper meanings shaped by culture and time. I once believed that blue was always a sad color because of what I had learned about Picasso’s Blue Period. However, a workshop instructor challenged me to think differently, pointing out that blue can also be calming, peaceful, and joyful. That moment changed the way I approach color, allowing students to express their own interpretations before guiding them with historical and artistic insights.

The Meaning of Green and St. Patrick’s Day

Since St. Patrick’s Day falls near the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s easy to see why green is associated with growth, renewal, and life. However, its connection to Ireland and its patron saint runs deeper. St. Patrick, a missionary who helped spread Christianity in Ireland, famously used a shamrock—a small green clover—to explain the Holy Trinity. Each leaflet represented the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, making the shamrock a lasting symbol of faith. Therefore St. Patrick’s Day and the symbolism of the color green became associated.

Interestingly, St. Patrick himself was originally depicted wearing blue. But as Ireland sought independence from English rule, the color green became a powerful symbol of Irish pride and identity. Over time, Ireland earned the nickname “The Emerald Isle” due to its lush, green landscapes. Today, wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day is a way of celebrating Irish heritage, even for those without Irish roots.

Green’s Many Meanings

While green often represents nature and renewal, it also has other meanings across cultures. In the United States, green is strongly associated with money, simply because early U.S. currency was printed with green ink. Meanwhile, the phrase “green with envy” dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times when jealousy was believed to cause a sickly green complexion. Shakespeare later popularized this idea with the term “the green-eyed monster.”

Despite all its positive meanings, not everyone loves green—especially when it comes to food! Many children (and even some adults) find green vegetables less appealing, whether it’s because of their taste or the way they’ve been served. Maybe that’s why so many parents try to sneak greens into other foods. While I’ve learned to eat more green vegetables as an adult, I still prefer some alternatives!

There you have it St. Patrick’s Day and the symbolism of the color green. Now we have to look into those pesty and grumpy Leprechauns. But until we do, let’s remember to wear Green on St. Patrick’s Day so we can camouflage ourselves and not get pinched.

Check out the following video on how to draw a 4-leaf clover. It is great for kids and beginners. Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day and springtime.

Also take a look at this blog post about a fun painting activity for kids. It uses clovers, painting, and discovering value for kids with an extra surprise for the kids on St. Patrick’s Day. What is a leprechaun trap?

Lastly, take a look at Snyder’s Sunshine Art Studio at Teachers Pay Teachers: