The “Wearin o’ The Green”

The History of the Shamrock

The Shamrock has been recognized as a symbol of Ireland and St.Patrick for centuries. Shamrock is the Irish Gaelic word Seamrog, referring to the plant’s three leaves. It grows abundantly in the countryside of Ireland.

The Shamrock is said to have been used by St.Patrick to explain the Christian belief of the Holy Trinity. Christians believe that God is three persons in ONE, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and it is believed the Shamrock’s three leaves reflect that.

Men wore shamrocks on their jackets and hats on March 17th, the feast of St. Patrick.

During the Irish rebellion the Irish militia wore the shamrock and the color green on their uniform as a symbol of Irish Patriotism. This is where the saying “the wearin o’ the green” came from. As a result it became a sign of rebellion. England's Queen Victoria banned the wearing of the shamrock.

Today British Royalty present soldiers with Shamrocks on St. Patricks day as a symbol of alliance with Ireland.

In 2003 the Shamrock became an international trademark by the Irish government. Today the Shamrock is a symbol of Ireland, St. Patrick and all things Irish.

So this St. Patrick’s Day wear your green because everyone is Irish for the day!