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There's no doubt that the Shamrock is primarily recognized as a symbol for St. Patrick's Day. Yet, it's interesting to note that the shamrock was not worn or used as a symbol in this way until the late 17th century. Before holding significance in the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, this small green plant was valued and used as a symbol for many different things.

SYMBOLISMS OF THE SHAMROCK AND HOW THEY CAME ABOUT

Because the Shamrock is so plentiful in Ireland it was once merely valued as a large food source for livestock. Being so readily available, however, it soon came to represent abundance and nurturing. It still holds that significance today. It is said that a dream about Shamrocks means, financial abundance, health, success, and wellness.

To the Ancient Celts the Shamrock was a sacred plant. This is because it has three leaves. Three was a mystical and divine number to the Celts because so many aspects of life come in threes, such as past, present, and future, or birth, life, and death.

The Shamrock was valued for its medicinal properties as well. Many believed it to be a remedy for snake and scorpion bites. This belief may be because, it is said that St. Patrick banished snakes from Ireland, and snakes are never seen on Shamrocks.

Although there is no supporting evidence, many believe that in the 5th century, St. Patrick used the shamrock to help the people of Ireland better understand the holy trinity. The people were said to have then understood how the father, son, and the Holy Spirit could exist as three parts of the same entity.

Before the shamrock was associated with St. Patrick and the holy trinity, it is possible that is was worn as a symbol of the old Tua cross.

In the late 18th century, volunteers in Ireland adopted the Shamrock as their symbol. The Shamrock didn't become a nationally accepted symbol, however, until the 19th century. Residents of Ireland wore it as a symbol of their dissatisfaction with England's Rule. The Shamrock was seen as a symbol of rebellion and people were forbidden to wear it or have it on display. This is what inspired the famous ballad, "Wearin O' the Green."

The shamrock is also considered a good luck charm. It was once used to ward off evil, and is sometimes placed in a Bride's bouquet and on the left lapel of the groom's jacket to bring good luck to the marriage. Of course the greatest symbol of luck is the four leaf clover. Each leaf is said to represent something different; perhaps faith, hope, love, and happiness, or as others say, fame, wealth, love, and health.

Although the Shamrock is viewed as a national symbol of Ireland, it is not the nation's emblem. The harp is the country's emblem. But the Shamrock is a registered trademark of Ireland and is used as a logo for some of the nation's sports teams, businesses, and airlines.

Today the Shamrock holds the position as the official symbol of St. Patrick's Day. It's a part of the days many long held traditions such as, the drowning of the shamrock. This is when a shamrock is placed in the last drink of the evening, a toast is proposed, and once the toast is complete, the shamrock is removed from the glass and tossed over the left shoulder.

On any given day you might find the Shamrock on the signs of Irish pubs, both in Ireland and in the cities around the world. Perhaps you wear one around your neck as a good luck charm. Or maybe the only time you notice them, is during the St. Patrick's Day festivities. Whatever the case, it seems that the Shamrock has become a symbol of the bit of Irish that resides within all of us.

Learn more about this author, Sabrina Martin.
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