Why Shamrock for St Patricks Day?
St. Patrick’s Day is an Irish holiday celebrated on 17th March that honours the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Although this is an Irish holiday, it is celebrated all over the world with parades, wearing green, enjoying Irish food and music, and in some places, even illuminating monuments green.
The shamrock is one of the most iconic symbols of the celebration, but many don’t really understand why. In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of the shamrock and St. Patrick, and discuss why the shamrock is a great St. Patrick’s Day gift even today.
History of Shamrock & St. Patrick
The Shamrock is synonymous with Saint Patrick and has been for a very long time. The emblem means many different things to many people, and is often associated with feelings of national pride, history, and celebration.
Shamrock is a young clover found growing wild throughout Ireland and represents a link to St. Patrick, the Bishop who spread the Christian message in Ireland. St. Patrick used the three leaves of the Shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to the pagan Irish in the 5th Century.
The Meaning of Shamrock in Irish Culture
St. Patrick was enslaved in Ireland as a teenager, and during this time, he found solace in prayer. After escaping, he was a missionary to spread Christianity, but faced many challenges including resistance from the High King’s court. Over time, he began baptising pagans and building churches, leaving a lasting legacy.
He is now buried in Downpatrick which is still seen as a place of reverence. And to this day, the Shamrock continues to symbolise his teachings.
In Irish culture, the Shamrock is a symbol of the country itself and is primarily associated with St. Patrick. It represents faith, hope, and love, and many people wear Shamrocks as a protective charm.
Why Shamrock is Still Popular Today
Today, the Shamrock still remains a popular symbol of St. Patrick’s Day. This is due to its deep cultural, historical, and religious significance.
Shamrock is widely used in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations worldwide as badges, decorations, themed food and drinks, and even gifts. Whether worn, displayed, or gifted as a live plant, it continues to connect people to Ireland’s rich history and traditions.
Gift Shamrock This St. Patrick’s Day
At Plants4Presents, we offer the most widely recognised shamrock (Trifolium Dubium), which is a low growing clover with pretty yellow flowers in season, nurtured in our Sussex-based nursery. If you’re looking to give the perfect St. Patrick’s Day Gift, why not give a Shamrock plant? Shamrocks are a perfect centrepiece for celebrations and can be planted out in the garden to self sow for next year. You can even snip fresh sprigs of Shamrock from your plant to wear as a buttonhole. So whether you’re gifting to your Irish friend, are Irish yourself looking to spread the cheer for the holiday, or want to embrace the tradition of St. Patrick’s Day, a Shamrock plant is perfect for you.
Because our Shamrock plants are always so popular we do recommend that you order in advance and choose your delivery date on the order form. We can delivery next day or any named date across the UK although frustratingly we are still unable to ship direct to Northern Ireland or ROI.
