How Aran Sweaters Have Become A St. Patrick's Day Essential - Enjoy St. Patrick's Day 2023 in an Irish Sweater

The 17th of March – St. Patrick’s Day. A special day for the people on the island of Ireland, the Irish all around the world and those of Irish heritage. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, but also celebrates what our ancestors have passed onto us - long-establish cultural practises of religion, traditional Irish music, Irish sport and creating practical, stylish, authentic Irish crafts.

Our ancestors have brought us many traditions and moulded us into a culture of meaning and taught us through their intelligence and resilient ways how to survive in the hardest times. It is these very ideals that define us as a nation & has always given us hope for better days to come. This approach to life is unquestionably something to be proud of.

There is no doubt that the wearing of Aran on St. Patrick’s Day by people of Irish heritage all over the globe is now synonymous with the event.

First, second, third generation (and beyond!) of Irish people pull out their favorite Aran and wear it with pride for the celebrations but what is it about Aran knitwear that has made it so interlinked with the "day of the Irish"?

Most likely it's the strong bond of wearing something that is genuinely Irish that attracts people (not to mention that Aran knitwear is now held in the highest regard within international fashion houses!) in knowing that they're wearing a garment with real meaning. The Aran sweater is a badge of pride, a symbol of history.

The Irish Clan Aran Sweaters are an undoubtable reminder of where we have come from, who we are and what we are about and indeed what this day is celebrated for. These are custom, handknit Aran sweaters crafted of patterns and stitches that have been created in honour of Irish family names. The symbolism of the stitches in these Clan Aran sweaters pay homage to the legacy of the clan’s name and having been adopted by hundreds of Irish clans down through the years, the wearing of your Clan Aran is a significant statement of pride in your own unique Irish family heritage.

Some of our customers have shared with us the importance of their clan to their family and wear their Clan Sweater all around the world with great pride on this special day. Have you found your family's Clan Aran?

The intricate patterns of Aran fisherman sweaters and cardigans have deep symbolic meaning with each stitch having a direct link to some facet of Irish cultural life and perhaps it is this more than anything that connects the craftwork of Aran knitters to Ireland's day of national celebration.

Here's a display of some of the most popular Aran stitches and the element of Irish life that they symbolise:

To view more about each pattern please hover overtap each tile to see the meaning of each stitch

The authentic connection that exists between the wearer and the craftperson in Ireland who produced the piece of Aran knitwear is something that perhaps holds a strong connection too - knowing that skilled Irish hands followed a time-honored tradition to create their Aran sweater or cardigan undoubtedly gives the wearer a sense of pride of place in Ireland and in their heritage.

And with it comes the comfort of knowing that while modernisation and progress continue that there is still a central place in our lives for the values and traditions of our ancestors.

St. Patrick’s Day intertwines with connection, religion and heritage. It is our history, and our history is language, literature, music, art, folklore, cuisine, sport, and craftsmanship. All the things that are in full swing on St. Patrick’s Day.

The popularity of the Aran for St. Patrick's Day is also perhaps linked to the uniforms of Irish organisations throughout the world such as Irish pipe bands, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish community groups, etc.

The sight of people marching in their local St. Patrick's Day Parade bedecked in their favourite Aran knit, proudly holding a banner, or playing their heart out as part of a marching band is something that is forever connected to March 17th and is something will continue to be a source of great pride for everyone here on the Aran Islands.

There is a magnetic atmosphere in every town and village across Ireland (and all around the world) in the hours leading up to an annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Adults and children putting on their green and white Aran’s in preparation and the excitement builds as siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles reunite to celebrate their love for their homeland together. As Irish people come together to watch parades we think of all of those celebrating afar in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand especially amongst Irish Diaspora.

There’s an Isle, a green Isle, set in the sea,
Here’s to the Saint that blessed it!
And here’s to the billows wild and free
That for centuries have caressed it!

Here’s to the day when the men that roam
Send longing eyes o’er the water!
Here’s to the land that still spells home
To each loyal son and daughter!

Here’s to old Ireland—fair, I ween,
With the blue skies stretched above her!
Here’s to her shamrock warm and green,
And here’s to the hearts that love her!

Wherever you are celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day in the world - keep a little piece of Ireland in your heart. We hope your day is full of good blessings, laughter and Irish luck. Sláinte!