The shamrock is one of Ireland's best known symbols, but why is it that little is known about where it came from and why it has become such an integral part of Irish history and culture? Not only is it part of many well-known images of Ireland, it also plays a huge part in the country's biggest national holiday (aside from Christmas and New Year) Saint Patrick's Day. In olden times the shamrock was known as the Seamroy (translating to 'little cover'), as it symbolised the cross and the blessed trinity. Even before the arrival of the Christians, the plant was sacred to the Irish Druids because the three leaves formed a triad. The first reference to the shamrock in written English dates back to 1571, and 1707 in Irish. During the late 1700s, it was forbidden to wear a shamrock, as this was viewed as an act of rebellion against the crown. The story of the shamrock dates back many centuries before this, to the time of Saint Patrick's arrival in Ireland. During the 5th-century a Welsh man - who would become known as Saint Patrick - arrived on Irish shores from his native Wales. At this time Ireland was an island that had yet to be introduced to Christianity, and was occupied by a predominantly Druid population. Saint Patrick set about travelling the country and bringing the good work to all areas of Ireland. It's understood that a group of people came to him one day and said that they had great difficulty believing the holy trinity (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). It was then that Saint Patrick used the shamrock to explain the three-in-one reference. There is still a great deal of debate over which plant was actually picked by Saint Patrick for his teaching. Some believe that It was the 'Trifolium Procumbens' (a small hop of clover) that's found all over Europe and North America. Between historical references and legend, it's understood that the shamrock is the most likely answer to a debate that will continue for many years to come. Today, the shamrock is celebrated along with Saint Patrick on March 17 each year. Saint Patrick's Day is a national holiday, and sees thousands of foreigners arriving in the country to join the celebrations. Like the Blarney Stone, Giant's Causeway and many other Irish places and pieces of culture, the shamrock is a world-renowned symbol of a country that is seeped in myths, legends and history.
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