Monday, March 14, 2011

St. Patrick's Day History, Legends and Irish Folklore

We think of St. Patrick's Day and shamrocks, leprechauns, rainbows, pots of gold, driving snakes from Ireland, the Blarney Stone and of course ~ green beer! Children dress in green and have parties at school, Cities have parades and celebrations, streams and fountains are dyed green, and of course adults enjoy pub crawls, corned beef & cabbage, mashed potatoes and bangers.

It is one of the most celebrated International holiday's, rich with legend, folklore and traditions. It's one day a year, we all have a wee bit of Irish in us!

I thought it would be fun to share a brief history and the customs and legends behind the symbols of St. Patrick's day.

A popular symbol of St.Patrick's day is the Shamrock. It is belived it originated from St. Patrick, who used a shamrock or three leaf clover to help explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Sprit). Three is Ireland's most sacred and magical number, the Shamrock with its three leaves also represents Crone, Mother and Virgin or Love, Valour and Wit.. Faith, Hope and Charity or Father, Son and Holy Spirit.


Read more ~ VintagePretties St. Paddy's Day Blog