Thanks for that, Gargoyle. Very interesting history lesson.

The question remains unanswered, though: When was the law passed and what was its name that forbade "wearin' o' the green"? How long was it in effect? Did it forbid any garment in any shade of green, or was it specifically aimed at scarves or such worn as a statement of support for Irish freedom?

One other thing I noticed about the two songs posted: both could be sung to the tune of the more widely known version. Are they ever sung to that tune?