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The Story of the Shamrock & The Wearing of the Green
May St. Patrick guard you wherever
you go and guide you in whatever you
do--and may his loving protection be
a blessing to you always.
by Cheri Sicard
The Shamrock (traditional spelling: seamróg, meaing summer plant) is a
three-leafed clover that grows in Ireland. A common image in Celtic
artwork, the shamrock is found on Irish medieval tombs and on old copper
coins, known as St. Patrick's money. The plant is also reputed to have
mystic, even prophetic powers-- for instance the leaves are said to
stand upright to warn of an approaching storm.
Legend has it that St. Patrick used the shamrock in the fifth century to
symbolize the divine nature of the trinity when he introduced
Christianity to Ireland.
The seamróg is a big part of Irish history, as the Shamrock was used as
an emblem by the Irish Volunteers in the era of Grattan's Parliament in
the 1770's, The Act of Union. When it became an emblem of rebellion in
the 19th century, Queen Victoria made wearing a seamrog by member's of
her regiments punishable by death by hanging. It was during this dark
time that the phrase "the Wearing of the Green" began. Today the seamróg
joins the English Rose and the Scottish Thistle on the British flag and
is an integral part of Saint Patrick's Day celebrations.
"The Wearing of the Green" also symbolizes the birth of springtime.
Irish legend states that green clothes attract faeries and aid crops.
About the author
Cheri Sicard is the editor of FabulousFoods.com, a food and cooking site which specializes in Holidays and Entertaining. Stop by for some recipes or to sign up for on of their seven free cooking newsletters.
SeptemberLady "Born and have lived in Southern MD most of my life. My husband and I just finished building a new home on the family farm, where I hope to retire in the near future.
My interests: Doll collecting, cookbook collector (especially old ones), antiques, family/friend get-togethers, cooking/baking, flower and vegetable gardening, bird-watching."
Memorial Day: Backyard Grilling Memorial Day signals the start of barbecue season. Everyone wants to light that fire and charcoal that first meal. A few tips might pre- vent your entree from becoming a "Burnt Offering."
Read these tips for plenty of grilling ideas, make this year's barbecue perfect!
Growing and Using Garlic Chives Garlic chives, Allium tuberosum, is a hardy perennial (Zones 3-9) that will grow to about 12 inches high. The stems are skinnier and flat, instead of hollow as are regular chives, with greenish white blooms that are about an inch wide and not as rounded. They bloom in the summer rather than spring. The bloom stalks grow much taller than the leaves, sometimes up to 30 inches.
The stems and blooms are both edible and have a mild garlic onion taste. I've noticed many writers will list this as primarily as an Asian herb, as they are also known as Chinese chives, Chinese leeks, ku chai (China) or Nira (Japan), but it has many other uses as well!
The Perfect Porch Swing Perhaps it is the soothing rhythm or the reassuring creak of the porch swing that attracts us. Perhaps it is the companionable silence or quiet conversation. Or maybe swings simply remind us of more genteel times.
Although porch swings can be purchased in a wide range of materials, the most common are wicker and wood. You can also make your own porch swing from one of the myriad of woodworking patterns available at garden centers, hardware stores, or on the Internet.
The seamróg is a big part of Irish history, as the Shamrock was used as
an emblem by the Irish Volunteers in the era of Grattan's Parliament in
the 1770's, The Act of Union. When it became an emblem of rebellion in
the 19th century, Queen Victoria made wearing a seamrog by member's of
her regiments punishable by death by hanging. It was during this dark
time that the phrase "the Wearing of the Green" began. Today the seamróg
joins the English Rose and the Scottish Thistle on the British flag and
is an integral part of Saint Patrick's Day celebrations.
Memorial Day: Backyard Grilling
Growing and Using Garlic Chives
The Perfect Porch Swing