March is Irish-American Heritage Month and there are 34.1 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry. March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day when we celebrate all things Irish and hope to get a bit of their Irish luck. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland but was actually born in Britain. He was known for spreading Christianity throughout Ireland. Most historians believe he died on March 17 around 460 A.D.
There are many St. Patrick’s Day symbols that we see during the Irish Heritage celebrations, including the shamrock. Did you know the cheerful leprechaun is a purely American invention and not the Irish leprechaun? Here are some brief explanations of the symbols of St. Patrick’s Day found in the coloring pages below.
Meaning of St. Patrick’s Day Symbols
Shamrock – The shamrock used to be a sacred plant in Ireland that symbolized the coming of spring. The Irish people began wearing the shamrock as a symbol of pride when the English took over Ireland and banned their Irish language and the practice of Catholicism. It is said that St. Patrick used the shamrock to represent the Holy Trinity while spreading Christianity throughout Ireland.
Leprechauns – The little cheerful, lucky leprechaun was not actually associated with St. Patrick or St. Patrick’s Day, but created by Walt Disney for the 1959 movie Darby O’Gill and the Little People. Prior to the movie, leprechauns in Ireland folklore were cranky tricksters who repaired fairies’ shoes. They often used their magic to protect their fabled pots of gold and treasures.
Green – the original color associated with St. Patrick was blue. Green became the color associated with St. Patrick’s Day when St. Patrick began using the shamrock to represent the Holy Trinity, and when Irish soldiers wore green uniforms during the uprising. Ireland is known for its’ vast green pastures and beautiful green landscapes. St Patrick’s Day in Ireland started as a religious holiday and men began wearing green shamrocks in their lapels to honor the practice of Catholicism.
St. Patrick’s Day Free Coloring Pages
Dancing Leprechauns for Older Kids
This free St. Patrick’s Day coloring page is full of Irish legend detail and is great for middle school or high school aged kids.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock
This coloring page is very full of lucky shamrocks!
Pot of Gold and Rainbow with Leprechaun
All the Irish legends are in this cool St. Patrick’s Day coloring page.
Shamrock Quilt
This is a really nice coloring page for kids who like detail and all things shamrock.
Good Luck Shamrocks
These St. Patrick’s Day coloring pages for younger kids include leprechauns, good luck shamrocks, Happy St. Patrick’s Day signs, and parades. Just click the St. Patrick’s Day symbol and print the coloring page.
Irish Legend Coloring Pages
The Irish heritage is rich with legend, mythology, and folklore that have been passed down through generations. The Irish legends include fairies, warriors, mermaids, and leprechauns. Here are some really cool Irish legend coloring pages complete with explanations of who these characters are in Irish mythology.
Leprechaun with Shamrocks and Rainbows Coloring Pages
This St. Patrick’s Day coloring page even has a Pot of Gold.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day Coloring Page
This is a fun coloring page for all ages.
Leprechaun Coloring Pages for All Ages
This page has some great St. Patrick’s Day legend coloring pages that you can just click and print. There are some cool pots of gold, rainbows, and leprechauns for all ages.
St. Patrick’s Day Coloring Pages for Elementary Kids
Just click and print these Irish legend coloring pages for the younger kids.
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