Luck and the Irish

Are you all set for St. Patrick’s Day?  Your green outfit is ready and you are there to  pinch anyone not as prepared?  We’ve all learned that lesson the hard way once or twice.  I know if I lose track of the days, I am scrounging to find anything that can pass for green and be worn.  Rather than throwing a last minute outfit together, with only an iota of green, come and find something fun to accessorize with that you can wear year round.   Who says your something green has to be plastic and garish?  Instead grab an amazing green brooch, or a fun layered necklace.  Perhaps you want to stick with more of a Celtic theme?  There is always the classic shamrock.

Not to be confused with a four leaf clover, shamrock comes from the Irish word seamróg for young clover and comes with three leaves.  It is rare that the fourth leaf sprouts, and the term shamrock cannot be assumed to refer to this particular form.    While the four leaf clover is considered to bring luck, the shamrock has a longer history in Irish culture.

Many people wear the shamrock to symbolize the holy trinity as taught by St. Patrick, a tradition that has been in style since the 17^th century.  Others wear it simply because it reminds them of Ireland.  This is still fitting as it is thought the Druids of Ireland held it sacred due to its triad nature too, making it a long standing symbol in Irish culture.  Its common appearance throughout Ireland also helps the association between them.  Thus it does not need to have a religious connotation to be worn.

Found on flags, sport teams, and many other affiliations, it is often now considered to be a symbol of Irish pride. So whether you are looking for a traditional shamrock, or trying to give yourself or someone else an extra bit of four leaved luck, you have a wonderful accessory for St. Patrick’s Day that can be worn any time.   After all, we’re all Irish once a year.  Let your pride show!