There are two stories that are told as reasons for the traditions of wearing green and getting pinched for the failure to do so.
The first story goes like this:
Wearing green shirts and leprechaun costumes on St. Patrick’s Day are traditions that started in the 17th century. People wore green ribbons and shamrocks to honor Ireland’s patron saint. The pinch comes into play to say shame on you for not honoring the patron saint by wearing green.
The second story goes like this:
It was later when Irish immigrants in the United States wore green because they believed that it made them invisible to mischievous leprechauns – fairy creatures who would pinch anyone they could see who was not wearing green. The pinch was a reminder for those not wearing green that leprechauns – who were invisible to humans – could sneak up on them any time.
How popular is this today? Only about half of Americans choose to deck out in green on March 17 in recognition of either of these traditions.
3 Rules for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at swimming lessons
Rule #1 – Wear green.
If you want to make the investment, there are green swimsuits you can purchase for your child to wear to join in the celebration. But there is no shame in simply tacking green fabric shamrocks to a suit that your child already has.
Rule #2 – Your kids’ instructors may have games planned for your kids to play that include searching for Leprechauns, shamrocks or even the elusive pot of gold around the pool or on the pool bottom.
Rule #3 – If you’re a parent or instructor, it would be really cute to wear St. Patrick’s Day gear – or even dress up like a Leprechaun.
Most importantly, make sure that your child’s St Patrick’s Day attire is safe for swimming:
• No loose-fitting swimsuits
• No free-flowing items that your child’s feet or arms could become entangled in
• No fabric that will fade into the water
The main goal is safe fun!
Little Otter Swim School’s provides quality swim lessons in a safe and fun environment that are taught by caring and enthusiastic teachers. Children are learning and gaining respect and love for the water. From Little Otter, Charlotte families receive an alternative to “typical” swim lessons in year-round, small group instruction in a warm indoor swimming pool where parents can watch their children’s progress from the comfortable viewing gallery.
Learn more about what makes Little Otter different.
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