St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated around the world on March 17th, but there are two US rivers that take the festivities to a whole new level by being dyed green. These rivers, located in Chicago and Savannah, have become iconic and draw millions of spectators each year.
One of the rivers that turns green every St. Patrick’s Day is the Chicago River. This tradition began in 1962 when a plumber named Stephen M. Bailey used fluorescein dye to trace the source of illegal pollution discharges into the river. The experiment turned the river a vibrant shade of green, and the spectacle caught the attention of the city officials. Since then, the dyeing of the Chicago River has become an annual tradition that kicks off the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The second US river that is dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day is the Savannah River. This tradition started in 1961 when a city council member named Tom Mahoney came up with the idea to dye the river green to celebrate the holiday. They initially used 100 pounds of green vegetable dye to achieve the desired effect. Over the years, the amount of dye used has increased significantly, and now, more than 50 pounds of dye are used to dye the Savannah River, making it a vibrant emerald green.
Both the Chicago River and the Savannah River being dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day have become popular attractions, drawing locals and tourists alike. The vibrant green color of the rivers adds to the festive atmosphere of the holiday and creates a unique spectacle that is truly one-of-a-kind. So, if you’re looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a memorable way, head to either Chicago or Savannah and witness the transformation of these rivers into stunning emerald green waterways.
History of St Patrick’s Day
The history of St Patrick’s Day dates back to the early 17th century when it was made an official feast day by the Catholic Church. The day commemorates the death of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who played a significant role in spreading Christianity across the country.
St Patrick was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century. At the age of 16, he was captured by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave. After six years, he escaped and returned to his family. Following a vision, Patrick decided to return to Ireland as a Christian missionary.
St Patrick spent the next several decades traveling throughout Ireland, establishing churches, schools, and monasteries. He used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish people, who had a strong connection to nature and the elements. This became a symbol of St Patrick and Ireland.
Over time, St Patrick’s Day became not only a religious observance but also a cultural celebration of Irish heritage. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to the United States, where it gained popularity among the large Irish-American community. Today, St Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated with parades, festivals, and wearing green attire.
On St Patrick’s Day, various traditions are observed, such as attending Mass, wearing shamrocks, and consuming traditional Irish food and drinks like corned beef and Guinness. Additionally, two rivers in the United States, the Chicago River and the San Antonio River, are dyed green every St Patrick’s Day, adding to the festive spirit.
In conclusion, the history of St Patrick’s Day is rooted in the life and work of St Patrick, who played a crucial role in bringing Christianity to Ireland. The day has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture and heritage that is observed worldwide.
Origins of Dying Rivers Green
The tradition of dyeing rivers green on St Patrick’s Day originated in the city of Chicago in the early 1960s. The idea was first proposed by Steve Bailey, a plumber’s union business manager, and a group of downtown businessmen.
They were looking for a unique way to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and promote the city at the same time. After brainstorming ideas, someone suggested dyeing the Chicago River green, as a way to replicate the vibrant green color of the Irish countryside.
The first dyeing of the river took place on March 17, 1962. Approximately 100 pounds of vegetable dye were poured into the river, turning it a bright shade of green. The event was a huge success, attracting thousands of spectators and generating positive media coverage.
Inspired by the success in Chicago, other cities started dyeing their own rivers green. The city of Savannah, Georgia, began dyeing the Savannah River in 1964, and Indianapolis, Indiana, followed suit with the White River in 1965.
Today, the tradition continues in these cities, with numerous other cities around the United States also joining in the festivities by dyeing their rivers green on St Patrick’s Day. It has become a symbol of Irish heritage and an iconic spectacle that attracts locals and tourists alike.
Chicago River – First River Dyed Green
The Chicago River is known for being the first river in the world to be dyed green every St. Patrick’s Day. The tradition began in 1962 when the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union No. 110 decided to dye the river as a way to celebrate the holiday and honor their Irish heritage.
Every year, on the morning of St. Patrick’s Day, members of the union board a boat and pour a special dye into the river, turning it a vibrant shade of green. The dye used is a secret recipe, but it is said to be a harmless vegetable-based dye that is both safe for the environment and non-toxic to wildlife.
The river dyeing event has become a beloved tradition in Chicago and draws thousands of spectators who line the river’s edge to watch the transformation. The dyeing typically takes about 45 minutes to complete, and the river remains green for several hours before gradually fading.
In addition to the river dyeing, Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration includes a parade, Irish dancing, traditional music, and various cultural events. The city goes all out to embrace its Irish heritage and create a festive atmosphere that lasts throughout the day.
The Chicago River dyed green has become an iconic symbol of St. Patrick’s Day in the city and is a unique way for Chicagoans to celebrate their Irish roots. It has also inspired other cities around the world to dye their own rivers or bodies of water green on St. Patrick’s Day, although the tradition originated in Chicago.
Savannah River – Second River Dyed Green
The Savannah River is the second river that is dyed green every St. Patrick’s Day. It is located in Georgia and South Carolina and serves as a border between the two states. The river is known for its scenic beauty and plays a significant role in the economy and culture of the region.
Just like the Chicago River, the Savannah River is dyed green using an environmentally safe, vegetable-based dye. This tradition started in the early 2000s and has since become a popular celebration during St. Patrick’s Day in the region.
The dyeing of the Savannah River green is organized by local communities and organizations. The dyeing process involves adding a special, water-soluble dye to the river, which quickly mixes with the water, turning it a vibrant shade of green. The dye used is safe for the environment and does not harm the river’s ecosystem or wildlife.
Residents and visitors gather along the riverbanks to witness the moment the Savannah River turns green. Festivities include parades, live music performances, and various cultural events that celebrate Irish heritage. The river also provides a picturesque backdrop for people to enjoy the day’s festivities.
| Key Facts about the Savannah River | |
|---|---|
| Location: | Georgia and South Carolina |
| Length: | 301 miles |
| Main Tributaries: | Tugaloo River, Seneca River, Oconee River |
| Major Cities: | Savannah, Georgia and Augusta, Georgia |
| Importance: | Shipping, recreation, tourism |
The dyeing of the Savannah River is a unique way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and showcase the community’s Irish pride. It highlights the special connection between the river and the local culture, making it a memorable event for both residents and visitors alike.
Environmental Concerns
While the green dyeing of the Chicago River and the Manatee River on St. Patrick’s Day may be a fun and festive tradition, it has raised some environmental concerns over the years.
One of the main concerns is the impact of the dye on aquatic life. The dye used to turn the rivers green is non-toxic and biodegradable, but in large quantities, it can still have an adverse effect on plants and animals living in the water. Some experts worry that the dye may disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem and harm the fish and other wildlife.
Another concern is the effect of the dye on the water quality. The dyeing process requires a large amount of dye, which is then poured into the river. While the dye is diluted in the vast amount of water, it can still affect the water quality, including its clarity and oxygen levels. This, in turn, can have a negative impact on the aquatic life that relies on clean and oxygen-rich water.
There are also concerns about the potential long-term effects of the dye on the river ecosystems. While the green dye used is designed to be environmentally friendly, there is still limited research on its long-term effects. Some scientists worry that the repeated dyeing of the rivers year after year may have cumulative effects that are not yet fully understood.
Despite these concerns, the cities continue to dye the rivers green every St. Patrick’s Day as a way to celebrate Irish heritage and promote tourism. Efforts have been made to minimize the environmental impact, such as using less dye and finding more eco-friendly alternatives. However, it is important to continue monitoring and researching the effects of the dyeing tradition to ensure the protection of the rivers’ ecosystems in the future.
