Why Is Gold Affiliated with St. Patrick’s Day? (2024)

By Marissa Haysbert, GIA GG

St. Patrick’s Day is associated with the color green, food, drinks, and a number of Irish traditions. While green may refer to Ireland’s nickname the “Emerald Isle”, it’s lush green landscape, shamrocks, four-leaf clovers, or spring, did you know that gold is also associated with St. Patrick’s Day? Gold coins in particular have become a symbol. After all, legend has it that, at the end of a rainbow, a leprechaun will be there with a pot of gold.

Here we’ll look at how this day and gold are so closely affiliated. It’s also an opportunity to be inspired to find that special person gold jewelry ahead of the fast-approaching March 17 holiday.

Gold is Rooted in Tradition

Why Is Gold Affiliated with St. Patrick’s Day? (1)

A few traditions are associated with St. Patrick’s Day. Shamrocks, three-leaved clovers, Leperachons and the color green. While shamrocks and three-leaved clovers are commonly used symbols, a shamrock is actually not a four-leaf clover. However, many believe Ireland has more four-leaf clovers than anywhere else (this is where the term “the luck of the Irish” comes from).

Each leaf of a four-leaf clover is believed to represent a different attribute. These four meanings include hope, faith, love, and happiness. Wearing green comes from the traditional belief that if you don’t, you’ll be pinched by a leprechaun! Another tradition is to kiss The Blarney Stone, which was believed to be good luck. Don’t live close enough to find the actual stone? That’s okay, just kiss someone who is Irish.

But What Does This All Have to Do with Gold?


According to Irish legend, if you find the leprechaun at the end of a rainbow with a pot of gold, you can have the gold if you catch him. That’s why you’ll find lots of plastic gold coins, pot-o-gold buckets, and coin-shaped candies around St. Patrick’s Day.

Gold is a great gift idea because of its association with momentous occasions. It may be gifted for a milestone birthday or as a wedding gift. Gold is also a symbol of wealth that retains its value over time. And aside from being a gift, it can help loved ones understand the idea of saving or investing. By contrast, money is often quickly spent, but gold tends to be treasured over time.

Incorporate Tradition with Gold Jewelry

Why Is Gold Affiliated with St. Patrick’s Day? (2)

Gold jewelry, whether a necklace, bracelet, set of earrings, pendant, or gold ring, can be easily themed for St. Patrick’s Day. It may be adorned with green glass beads or gemstones such as emerald or peridot. Many items even include traditional symbols such as clovers and shamrocks. Design elements like simulated gold coins and pots-of-gold can be integrated as well. The colors and symbols associated with tradition can make for truly unique and beautiful items.

Find the Perfect Gold Jewelry with Jeweler’s Touch


If you’re looking for the perfect gold jewelry for St. Patrick’s Day or any other day of the year, Jeweler’s Touch can help. We offer numerous collections with exquisite designs. No matter the occasion, you’ll find outstanding jewelry and gemstones. If you don’t find the ideal match, we’ll custom design jewelry just for you, using your vision, our state-of-the-art 3D CAD design systems, and the expertise of GIA Graduate Gemologists. We also provide repairs, appraisals, and financing for customers in Southern California.

To get started, browse our inventory of gold jewelry, schedule an in-store/virtual/curbside appointment online, or call 714-579-1616 to speak with us directly.

Why Is Gold Affiliated with St. Patrick’s Day? (2024)

FAQs

Why Is Gold Affiliated with St. Patrick’s Day? ›

Leprechauns are often associated with wealth due to their love of gold coins, they know when they are onto a good thing! Leprechauns as the mischievous creatures they are scour the earth for gold and when they find it, they store it in a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

What is the story behind leprechauns and gold? ›

The legend of pots of gold began when they eventually departed the shores of Ireland, leaving some of their stolen gold behind. Folklore depicts leprechauns as mistrustful creatures who detest humans. According to legend, leprechauns found the abandoned gold and buried it again so no human could ever find it.

Why are the colors of St Patrick's Day green and gold? ›

Patrick's Day is about celebrating Irish culture and solidarity, there is a little bit of a historical divide. Both green and orange are represented in the Irish flag to illustrate the peaceful coexistence of Catholics and Protestants, so both green and orange could be considered St. Patrick's Day colors.

What is associated with St Patrick's Day? ›

Patrick's Day observes of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green.

Why is luck associated with St. Patrick's Day? ›

Patrick's Day. However, according to legend, Patrick used a three-leaf clover, or shamrock, as part of his teachings. Even though it's possible for a shamrock to grow a fourth leaf, a four-leaf clover is just considered a symbol of good luck. Another legend says that Patrick chased all the snakes out of Ireland.

What happens if you take a leprechauns gold? ›

The Pot of Gold, or Lep's Pot of Gold, is gold that the Leprechaun possesses. Usually the Leprechaun gets his gold stolen by someone, which leads to him pursuing the thief until he captures and most likely kills the thief. Also if the gold is destroyed the Leprechaun will die.

What is a female leprechaun called? ›

There aren't any female leprechauns.

As a result, leprechauns are described as grouchy, untrusting, and solitary creatures.

Why is there no orange on St. Patrick's Day? ›

Green represents the Catholics who rebelled against protestant England. Orange, on the other hand, represents Protestants—who do not venerate saints. The white block symbolizes peace between the two factions. In the end, green won out.

Why are leprechauns tied to St. Patrick's Day? ›

There's actually a surprising connection between the mythical figures and the history of St. Patrick's Day—and the legend dates back farther than the holiday itself. Leprechauns were first written about in old Irish fables, so it makes sense that they'd be associated with a holiday dedicated to Irish culture.

What is the real color for St. Patrick's Day? ›

Long before St. Patrick's Day became synonymous with the color green, its namesake saint — and even Ireland as a whole — was more closely associated with various shades of blue.

What is the true story behind St. Patrick's Day? ›

Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. He escaped but returned about 432 ce to convert the Irish to Christianity. By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools.

Why doesn't Ireland celebrate St. Patrick's Day? ›

Large, secular celebrations of St. Patrick's Day appeared in Ireland only after they'd become popular in the United States. Because Ireland's parades were inspired by American ones, they represent a "kind of reverse migration," says Tally.

What is the main symbol of St. Patrick's Day? ›

The shamrock became the symbol of St. Patrick, who later became the patron saint of Ireland. In 1681, people started pinning a shamrock to their clothes as they celebrated St. Patrick's Day, and the tradition is still carried on today — not only in Ireland, but worldwide.

What is the luckiest thing to do on St. Patrick's Day? ›

Take a Shamrock Shot:

Tossing a shamrock in a glass of whiskey is a symbol of good fortune. But don't eat the shamrock, only drink the shot. Tossing it over the left shoulder is a sign of good fortune.

What is a good St. Patrick's Day saying? ›

"May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you." "Bless your little Irish heart and every other Irish part." "May luck be your friend in whatever you do, and may trouble be always a stranger to you."

What is the spiritual meaning of St. Patrick's Day? ›

Patrick's Day holds significant meaning as a religious and historical celebration. It commemorates the life of St. Patrick and the introduction of Christianity to Ireland. The day serves as a reminder of the country's spiritual journey and the enduring impact of one man's mission to spread the Christian faith.

What is the real story of the leprechaun? ›

Leprechaun s (also leprecauns or lepracauns) are figures in Irish folklore who guard hidden treasure. Regarded as small and incredibly agile male fairies or goblins, they most often guard a pot of gold. Leprechauns live solitary lives and can be a source of mischief for the unwary.

What is the myth about leprechauns? ›

According to popular belief, this small elf like figure is pictured wearing traditional emerald green clothes and is often sporting a beard and smoking a pipe. The Leprechaun is a cobbler by trade, but he has a secret stash of gold that he must reveal if you can capture him.

What is the story behind catching a leprechaun? ›

Legend has it that if you catch a leprechaun, he'll grant you a wish. But, be careful! Leprechauns are full of trickery. To catch one, you'll need to be clever in crafting your trap.

What do leprechauns do to earn their gold? ›

According to legend, Leprechauns are mischievous creatures that are known for their love of gold. They are believed to be shoemakers who have a hidden pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

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