Shamrocks have always been my favorite St. Patrick’s Day symbol. For the most part, shamrock imagery remains iconic, and has largely avoided the often offensive and stereotypical commercialization of Irish culture, that has long plagued the Leprechaun.
For many Irish Catholics the shamrock is synonymous with the concept of the Holy Trinity. Legend tells that St. Patrick used the “three leaves on one stem” of the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Pagan Irish Druids.
Personally, as a modern day Pagan and student of Celtic Lore and spirituality, I’ve always found this legend a little humorous. The ancient Celts were no stranger to the concept of “three in one” before St. Patrick’s appearance on the scene. Indeed the number three has long been a key symbol of Celtic spirituality, with the Celts revering the earthly elements, deities and other sacred concepts in triads as an inherent part of their culture.
Prized for its healing and mystical properties the shamrock was well known, and deeply treasured by the Druids for the very same triadic properties that St. Patrick demonstrated in his lesson of Christian doctrine. With its lush green color and consistent three leaved charm shamrocks enjoyed sacred status among the Druids, and was symbolic of the Spring Equinox, which not coincidentally happens at about the same time as the modern feast of St. Patrick’s Day.
In the 19th century the “Wearing of the Green” became a popular form of visible protest against the English government and a symbol of Irish rebellion. Today this phrase is interpreted to mean the wearing of anything green, particularly on St. Patrick’s Day. Offenders who forget to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day run the risk of getting pinched. Originally “wearing of the green” was very specific, and indeed referred to the wearing of the shamrock as a symbol of Irish independence and pride.
Today St. Patrick’s Day still has nationalist, cultural, spiritual and of course fun-loving relevance to many people. Consistent across all interpretations of the holiday is the shamrock. Ever green, ever free, ever three, ever Irish.
In honor of the Shamrock – March’s Printable Fun is a coloring page, and a sheet of Shamrock buttons for “Wearing of the Green!”
