Get Some of That Luck O' the Irish

by Madelle O'Morgan

Origin of St. Paddy's Day

In the 1700s, a feast day to commemorate the arrival of Christianity in Ireland was named for St. Patrick.

Patrick was a 5th century Christian missionary and bishop who became the patron saint of Ireland.

Today, people around the world with a few drops of Irish blood (like me), and those who simply want to join in the fun, celebrate Irish culture every March 17.


The Lucky Charm

When Patrick the missionary was attempting to convert pagan Irish, he used the three-leafed clover, commonly known as a shamrock, to explain the Catholic Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.


However, long before those missionaries landed on the Emerald Isle, rare four-leaf clovers were Celtic charms, presumed to offer magical protection and ward off bad luck.

Three Facts About Four-Leaf Clovers (Source: bhg.com)


1. There are approximately 10,000 three-leaf clovers for every "lucky" four-leaf clover.

2. There are no clover plants that naturally produce four leaves, which is why four-leaf clovers are so rare.

3. It's said that Ireland is home to more four-leaf clovers than any other place, giving meaning to the phrase "the luck of the Irish."

Green ribbons and shamrocks have been worn on St. Patrick's Day since the late 1600s. Today it's customary to wear shamrocks and/or green clothing or accessories—the "wearing of the green." Maybe a few of you raise a beer to toast the old country?

Personally, I always wear green on March 17. To double my luck, this year I'm going to rustle up a shamrock lucky charm.

Why?


Because I could use some of this...

Couldn't we all? 

Madelle

About Madelle Morgan

Although Madelle is one quarter Irish, and admits to knocking back a green beer or two, she's never seen a leprechaun. If you catch one, the myth goes, he must lead you to treasure!

She's the Canadian author of two novels: Diamond Hunter, a romantic suspense, and Caught on Camera, Hollywood in Muskoka series, Book 1, a New Adult romantic comedy.

She tweets and posts on the topics of writing & publishing, film-making, dogs, and the settings for her stories.

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