In honor
of St. Patrick's Day, which recently passed, and of the Celtic heritage
and culture we so enjoy, we thought we'd look at one of the special
plants associated with Ireland: the shamrock.
Although many in
the U.S. think of the 4-leafed clover, the shamrock is actually a
3-leafed white clover. Many in Ireland believe St. Patrick used this
plant to explain the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to the Duids
to bring Christianity to the country. Therefore, the shamrock is
highly regarded by those who celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The shamrock
is registered as a trademark by the government of Ireland although it is
not the official symbol of country (the Celtic harp is Ireland's
official emblem).
The shamrock
plant, which is often seen and sold in conjunction with St. Patrick's
Day, is a flowering plant that originated in South America. It grows
from a bulb and is actually quite easy to care for. If you'd like more
information on the Shamrock plant and how to properly care for one,
click here.
For more
information on the shamrock of Ireland and the symbolism for this
special clover, visit these websites:
