GBD is known as “Green Beer Day”, a holiday that is celebrated in Oxford. It was first celebrated in 1952, and is spent all day drinking green beer, hence the name. GBD is more than just drinking dyed green beer, it’s a tradition that allows its celebrants to “let loose” after multiple weeks of mid-terms, projects, work, and other daily frustrations. Miami University is not affiliated with GBD- it is tied to Oxford, a long-loved small town in Ohio. People wear GBD shirts, hats, green beads, and start as early as the sun sets during the night prior to the actual day of GBD. Miami students recognize this celebration as a holiday that goes along with St. Patrick’s Day. According to Wikipedia, “The long day of drinking entails party hopping all over town, with many parties offering free McDonald's breakfast to prevent over intoxication by sunrise. One of the consequences of drinking green beer is that it will turn the tongues of party goers green.” It's not necessarily a consequence for people, it's more like a symbol of a great celebration. It's a tradition that everyone honors. Schedules of parties are shared, some provide breakfast such as green scrambled eggs or McDonald's (yes please)!
It's always cool to see how you do actually share the same traditions that your professors and other peers or alumni have experienced in their lives as well. I was wearing a GBD shirt to class one day, and my professor asked me if it was for Green Beer Day. I told him yes, and he replied that he remembered when he went to school here, and they celebrated GBD as well- but they didn't have shirts for it. Some professors will purposely schedule exams and quizzes on GBD, but that doesn't stop the celebrations. Miami does not sanction Green Beer Day, and professors don't want students to come to class while they're intoxicated. Green Beer Day is a tradition that will never die down; it will never get old. Fast forward to 30 years later, future students will still be holding GBD to its name.
We are a school that is known for its great academics, beautiful campus, and for having the label of being a party school. Although we do party, we keep our sports, school spirit, and education in check as well. Miami Students embrace their love for Oxford, our small, isolated stuck-in-the-middle of nowhere town. It's our home away from home, and we'll always gladly celebrate this holiday. If you do choose to partake in GBD activities, make sure that you are being safe.Green Beer Day starts the last Thursday before Spring Break, and this year, it's actually on St. Patrick's Day. Bars will open as early as 5:00 am, with people getting ready to celebrate around 1:00 am. It's the night no one remembers, but also the night no one will ever forget. It's one of the best things about Oxford because we all share our love for this holiday.
