Green, gold and more green. St. Patrick’s day is not just a national drinking day filled with leprechauns but it’s also the celebration of the patron saint of Ireland.

Here are some traditions to make sure you don’t get pinched this year.

ROCKING SHAMROCKS:

Wearing shamrocks and dressing head-to-toe in green is a St. Patrick’s day staple. The tradition of shamrock came about in 1726 when Irishman Caleb Threlkeld declared the shamrock the Irish national symbol.

DRINKING GUINNESS:

The popular beer ‘Guinness’ is enjoyed year-round in Ireland, however, in the United States on St. Patrick’s day, Guinness sales rise by five times according to USA Today. So when you head out for your holiday festivities, don’t forget a pack of Guinness as your party favor.

DYEING THE CHICAGO RIVER GREEN:

Before the tradition came about, city workers used to dye the river to indicate unauthorized sewage, until they realized that it was very festive. This tradition of dying their namesake river has been ongoing since 1962. It has become a staple when thinking of St. Patrick’s day.

 IRISH PRIDE AND ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADES:

Whether or not you are Irish, St. Patrick’s day is a day to celebrate all the traditions within the culture. Parades in New York City, Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia are just a few that rollick on the day of the shamrock, filled with Irish dancing and drinking Guinness.

However you celebrate the lucky Irish leprechaun, be sure to wear green so you don’t get pinched. There are plenty of traditions that we didn’t mention, but if you need any dinner ideas, corned beef and cabbage should be on your grocery list.