We all know St. Patrick’s Day as the time to wear green, embrace your inner leprechaun, and maybe sip on something festive—but there’s a lot more to this iconic March holiday than meets the eye. Whether you’re Irish by blood or just in spirit, here are three surprising facts you might not know about St. Patrick’s Day, plus a special way we’re celebrating all things green with our latest collection.
1. The First St. Patrick’s Day Parade Was Held in… New York City?!
Believe it or not, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade didn’t take place in Ireland—it actually happened in New York City in 1762. Irish soldiers serving in the British army marched through the streets to celebrate their heritage, and that simple act sparked what would become one of the largest and most well-known parades in the world. Today, millions of people gather in NYC to carry on that tradition, making it a true Irish-American celebration of pride, culture, and community.
2. Chicago Literally Dyes Its River Green
Yes, really. Every March, the city of Chicago dyes its river bright emerald green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The tradition started in 1962 and uses an eco-friendly, non-toxic dye to transform the water into a magical green current that flows right through downtown. It’s bold, beautiful, and gives a whole new meaning to “going green” for the holiday. If you ever get the chance to see it in person—it’s 100% worth the trip!
3. The Original Color of St. Patrick’s Day Was Actually… Blue?
We all associate green with St. Patrick’s Day now—but historically, the holiday was originally linked to blue. Known as "St. Patrick's Blue," it was featured in early Irish flags and associated with the Order of St. Patrick. So what changed? Over time, green took center stage thanks to Ireland’s nickname (“The Emerald Isle”), its lush green landscapes, and the green stripe in the Irish flag. Add in the symbolism of luck and leprechauns, and green officially stole the show.
Bonus: March Is the Month of the Emerald—and We're Celebrating in Style
At The Dainty Forces, March is more than just a holiday—it’s an entire chapter dedicated to emerald magic. We’re celebrating with our Timeless Emerald Collection, a set of dainty, meaningful pieces made with genuine emerald ore. Emerald is the birthstone for May, but it’s also a symbol of love, growth, and transformation—everything this season embodies.
Here’s what you’ll find in this stunning collection:
- Timeless Emerald Necklace – A delicate drop of emerald ore on a fine chain. Effortless, everyday elegance.
- Timeless Emerald Bracelet – Simple, chic, and stack-ready with a soft pop of rich green.
- Emerald Thread Earrings – Lightweight and bold, perfect for styling your ear stack in creative ways.
✨ Want the full glow? Grab the bundle and save 20%—plus get free shipping on us.
And don’t forget—our Lucky Charm Bracelets are still available (but not for long!). These limited-edition pieces come with their very own lucky charm to carry a little extra magic wherever you go.
So whether you're rocking green, embracing the history, or just vibing with the season's sparkle, we hope you feel all the good energy this month brings. Stay lucky.
