2007-02-19 15:08:38 · 20 answers · asked by pandabear45620002000 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
St. Patrick is the patron saint of the "Emerald (GREEN) Isle". Pinching is a sort of retaliation for not wearing the symbolic green coloration that represents Ireland. If you are not supporting the saint or the country .......you are "punished" by being pinched.
2007-02-19 15:17:34 · answer #1 · answered by JEEPIST 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wearin' of the green is considered an act of paying tribute to Ireland. It is said that it also brings good luck, especially when worn on St. Patrick's Day. Many long years ago, playful Irish children gave birth to the tradition of pinching those forgetting to wear green on St. Patrick's Day and the tradition is still practiced today.
Take care!
2007-02-19 23:20:23 · answer #2 · answered by Mary R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're only supposed to get pinched if you're Irish and not wearing green on St. Patrick's Day. Since I'm not Irish I don't get pinched.
2007-02-19 23:11:35 · answer #3 · answered by special-chemical-x 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because, as the saying goes, "Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day!"
2007-02-20 00:33:29 · answer #4 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's an excuse. They want to pinch you anyway. St Patrick's Day makes it acceptable.
2007-02-19 23:12:12 · answer #5 · answered by a_poor_misguided_soul 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is an old Irish tradition. My family is Irish, so when we don't wear green, we pinch people!
2007-02-19 23:11:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the Irish historically are a sadistic peoples.
;-0
2007-02-19 23:11:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's your PUNISHMENT for not being Irish! The Irish wear green that day.
2007-02-19 23:11:52 · answer #8 · answered by fastcat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a secular addition to the holiday. I never heard of it before the late-1980's.
2007-02-19 23:12:00 · answer #9 · answered by angry 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about it. It gives you an excuse to punch them in the nose when they pinch you.
2007-02-19 23:16:20 · answer #10 · answered by nemesis_318 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋