The Chicago River is dyed green every year on St. Patrick’s day. Interestingly, the applied color is actually orange, but when it reacts to the water, the result is a bright green shade that lasts for several hours.

In religious aspects, the day serves to commemorate St. Patrick, one of the patron saints of England. It is, in fact, a holy day of obligation for Irish Roman Catholics.

The tradition has seeped through to mainstream culture, such that people, Irish and non-Irish, wear green on March 17 in honor of the event, as well as eating Irish/green food. Parades are also given, not just in Ireland, but in the US, Canada, Australia, as well as a few other countries. Interestingly, Wisconsin changes its name to “New Dublin” the week of St. Patrick’s Day.

 All I can say is, I just hope that they don’t really commercialize this day so much. Like other holidays, it is rooted in Christian tradition, and it’s going to be a shame if they’re going to turn it into a Hallmark holiday, if it isn’t already.

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