There are numerous customs associated with this occasion some of which are followed by the people of Irish descent settled in different parts of the world. Shamrock leaves are worn on the shoulder on this day to remember St. Patrick. People exchange Irish - Gaelic greetings.
Little girls wear green ribbons and the boys wear a harp badge.
Shillelaghs are displayed and used for decorations. People attend mass in the morning and St. Patrick Day parades are held in the afternoon. Men follow a quaint ritual of the 'Drowning of the Shamrock'. A Shamrock leaf is dipped in whiskey and thrown over the left shoulder.