Long ago,
when Ireland was the land of Druids, there was a great Bishop, Patrick
by name, who came to teach the word of God throughout the country.
This saint, for he was indeed a saint, was well loved everywhere
he went. One day, however, a group of his followers came to him
and admitted that it was difficult for them to believe in the doctrine
of the Holy Trinity.
Saint Patrick reflected a moment and then, stooping down, he plucked
a leaf from the shamrock and held it before them, bidding them to
behold the living example of the "Three-in-One." The simple
beauty of this explanation convinced these skeptics, and from that
day, the shamrock has been revered throughout Ireland.
It has been
said that St. Patrick also used the shamrock to demonstrate the
mystery of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) to the Ancient
High Kings of Ireland. The word shamrock is derived from the Irish
"seamrog," meaning "summer plant." The symbol
of the shamrock is found on Irish medieval tombs and on old copper
coins, know as St. Patrick's money. The plant was reputed to have
mystic powers --- the leaves standing upright to warn of an approaching
storm.
Green is
associated with St. Patrick's Day because it is the color of the
shamrock, the color of Spring and new life, and the color of Ireland.
The Irish landscape is green all year round. The shamrock is worn
by millions of people all over the world on St. Patrick's Day, not
only by the Irish and those of Irish descent, but by all who relate
to the indominable spirit of Ireland.
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