GREEN

According to National Geographic, one of the legends behind green on St. Patrick's Day isn't rooted in St. Patrick himself, but instead is tied to leprechauns. Wearing green, according to folklore, is the one color that makes a person invisible to leprechauns. Leprechauns are said to like pinching anyone they see, hence a tradition that has evolved into one of the most well known.

St. Patrick – a fifth century missionary and later served as Bishop to Ireland - and was known as the patron saint of Ireland and the national apostle. He was born in Roman Britain and was kidnapped at the age of 26 and brought to Ireland as a slave; later he would escape and return to Ireland and be marked as the one who brought Christianity to the people, according to The History Channel website.

The first St. Patrick's Day was first observed in the 10th century and was recognized as the Roman Catholic feast day. The first parade took place in America in recognition of the holiday on March 17, 1601 in St. Augustine, Florida. Since the initial celebration, the recognition of the St. Patrick's Day holiday in America has continued to grow and continues to be recognized to this day.

Each year on St. Patrick's Day celebrations take place across the nation and the color green can be found in numerous foods, drinks and even rivers.

One of the most popular celebrations is the dying of the Chicago River which began in 1962, when city pollution-control workers used dyes to trace illegal sewage discharge and realized green dye might be a unique way to celebrate. In the beginning enough dye was dropped in the river to keep it green for a week, each year. However, in an effort to minimize the environmental damage only enough dye - 40 pounds - is dumped to turn the river green for several hours.

Of course, what is a tradition without traditional foods. A few of the more popular foods include Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage and champ.

People across the United States can be found wearing green and those who forget to place some sort of green are taking the chance they just might be pinched.

As St. Patrick's Day draws near, don't miss out on showing off your creative dishes and do your best to not walk out of the house without a little bit of green on.