The Shamrock: Explained.

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In recognition of St. Patrick's Day, let's learn the history behind and symbolism of the shamrock.

The shamrock is the most popular symbol of the Irish.  It looks like a three-leaved clover.  It is the English name for it's Gaelic name of "seamrog" (pronounced "shame-rog")  dating back to 1707.  St. Patrick is said to have been standing in a field of shamrocks when he drove the snakes and toads away.  Because it has three leaves, but is still one plant, many Catholics revere it as a symbol of the Holy Trinity.

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The four leaves of the shamrock are said to symbolize as follows:

Hope
Faith
Love
Luck

The first reference to wearing a shamrock on the lapel of a coat on Saint Feast Day dates back to 1681.  In the 1770's, during the time of Grattan's Parliament, the shamrock became an emblem by the Irish Volunteers.  It became a symbol of  rebellion to the degree that Queen Victoria forbade Irish regiments to wear it. 

Today, it's no longer considered rebellious to wear a shamrock.  In fact, the Irish Guards of the British Army are presented with a shamrock by the Royal Family on St. Patrick's Day.

Regardless of your birth heritage, we're all Irish on St. Patty's Day.  Celebrate well...and responsibly!

(c) Copyright 2014 Robyn King. All Rights Reserved.

Source: http://www.brownielocks.com/stpatrick.html 
(c) Copyright 2014 Robyn M. King. All Rights Reserved.