March is here, and the earth is waking up with blooms starting to bud and clovers covering the ground. Maybe not for some in the country’s northern half, but green is popping up everywhere regardless of the weather. Let’s explore some “make it green” festivities to do this month.
St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday celebrated worldwide. Saint Patrick lived during the fifth century and passed on March 17, 461. The mythology surrounding his life has been ingrained in Irish culture since then, celebrating with green shamrocks rocking!
Parades. Celebrating this day is a favorite among many. City streets are a “sea of green” as people participate in bar crawls, 5K or 10K marathons, and parades. In Chicago, the streets are jam-packed with bagpipers, dancers, and Irish bands. The Saturday morning before March 17, the Chicago River is dyed green. In New Orleans, known for its debauchery and extravagant parades, the Irish Channel is filled with crowds of people hoping to get a rose from the guys in kilts and kisses (not just limited to those who are Irish). The parade throws are more than just beads and candy—potatoes, lemons, cabbages, and other traditional Irish ingredients are thrown out to crowds. Individuals can bring the celebration home and make a delicious traditional Irish feast.
No need to worry if the crowds and parties are not for you. There are plenty of home activities to enjoy this March to “make it green.”
Leprechaun treasures. Leprechauns are considered the Irish garden gnomes. Since many yards are filled with clovers this time of year, have a four-leaf clover hunt. Do a leprechaun dance while forging for those lucky clovers. The kids will enjoy getting outside, and when you find that lucky clover, bring it inside and keep it around for the season.
“Green” cleaning. Get a jump on spring cleaning, but “make it green” and use natural cleaning substances instead of harsh chemicals. Make an all-purpose cleaner with white vinegar, water and the rind of citrus fruit such as lemon. For spills on carpets, make a quick-fix carpet cleaner with club soda and salt. Afterward, decorate for Spring with fresh-cut flowers from the market. Hyacinths and lilacs have a fresh floral scent that will fill your space. Trader Joe’s has “Shamrock” hydrangeas that are the perfect shade of green for March.
Pawty Animals. Do not forget about your pets during the month of March. Though they may not be able to see the color green, you can still make them cute green bandanas so they are not in danger of getting pinched for not wearing the color. Make dogs a “Shamrock smoothie” with Greek yogurt, spinach, and mint. It may make a mess, but they will enjoy it and have the freshest breath ever when giving you those Irish kisses!
Enjoy the outdoor surroundings and look for various birds. Birds are in mating season now, so they are all tweeting their lovely sounds. Make a DIY bird feeder for them. Explore any new budding flowers. Be creative and make flowerpots with paints or fake tattoos. Walmart and other stores have plenty of those to choose from, including some fun seasonal tattoos. Apply them to the pots the same way you would on the skin.
Lastly, if you are hosting a St. Patty’s Day party at your apartment, be sure your renter’s insurance is up to date in case of any accidents. ResidentShield is here to protect from fires, falls and spills. Have a plan for transportation for guests since many green beers, Irish coffees, and Jameson pickle-back shots are enjoyed on this day. If wanting some healthy choices for the party, make a rainbow with fruits. Use strawberries for red, pineapples for yellow, oranges for orange, kiwis for green, blueberries for blue and grapes for purple. Use whipped cream to make the clouds, and find some chocolate gold coins for the “pot of gold” at the end of the rainbow. You are guaranteed great engagement on Instagram if you show off your creation!
Enjoy the month of “green March magic,” and may the luck of the Irish be with you!
