St. Patrick’s Day, Fact versus Fiction (from National Geographic.com)

“If the budget allowed it, I'd have a green ribbon in my hair. But that was the only green we wore,” said Haggerty, who now lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

This seems a stark contrast to the fields of green decorations, hats, and clothes found in the United States. While no one can confirm with certainty why wearing so much green became popular, there is a very good reason, according to the Irish, not to do so, Haggerty said.

According to superstition, the color green was thought to bring bad luck because it was the favorite color of the fairy folk. “As a matter of fact,” Haggerty said, “you should never say the fairies. They hate it! The Good People is the right term to use.”