The most popular Irish festival celebrated worldwide, St. Patrick’s Day, is celebrated annually on 17th March. It is filled with fun and whimsy. One of the most important elements attached to the festive day is the folklore and history of Ireland. Today, we look behind the lucky symbols like the ever-popular clovers and charms attached to this joyous day!
Discover The Irish Charm With These St. Patrick’s Day Charms and Symbols:
1. Shamrock
The iconic St. Patrick’s Day symbol represents hope and love. If you are at a Saint Patty’s Day celebration, the chances of finding shamrock decor are high. According to the Legend, Saint Patrick used a shamrock, a three-leafed plant, to compare it to the Holy Trinity to explain the Christian concept to the Irish people.
2. Four Leaf Clover
Do not get confused between the shamrock and the four-leaf clover; they both have a different history and significance. The three ends of a shamrock have pagan significance, as St. Patrick used it to make the Irish Christians understand the concept of the Holy Trinity.
The four-leaf clover is much rarer, and the early Celtic priests believed they safeguarded us against bad luck and even brought greater luck and protection from any upcoming event.
3. Leprechaun
Naughty fairies like the Leprechaun have been heavily featured in Irish folklore. They are said to be hard-working cobblers and know how to protect their wealth from people. Thereby symbolizing fortune or good luck.
They can be seen alongside a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, creating an allure around their personality. There are both fun and mysterious sides to this male character. For example, mythology resides in the story of leprechauns who can grant you wishes but also make a belated demand.
4. Pot of Gold
Talking about the Leprechauns, pots of gold come to mind next, as we often see the creatures sitting in one or alongside it. Well, this symbol represents riches and prosperity and the pursuit of chasing our dreams to achieve success. Why? The gold pot is believed to be hidden at the end of a rainbow, combining the magic of nature with the allure that we can feel towards the riches.
5. The Green Color
The whole festival is colored metaphorically and, in most places, literally in green, which exudes positivity. The signature color is used in many St. Patrick’s Day charms and symbols that come from Ireland’s lush landscapes.
Today, it’s become a tradition to wear green on the auspicious occasion, and Lilliana Vazquez, twice Emmy award-winning fashion stylist, comments on how the bright color works in our favor in terms of clothing:
“The emerald green is the most classic green on St. Patty’s Day. What I love about green is that it pairs well with many colors. But If you don’t want to wear green all over, you could incorporate it into a great print!”
6. Harp
The musical instrument can be seen as the symbol of a tradition of music from Irish history. It is Ireland’s national emblem, and you can literally incorporate the positive symbol into your St. Patrick’s Day celebration! How? The parties are already filled with all sorts of music, pop, contemporary, and more, so why also include the harp as the instrument or in melodies?
7. Rainbow
Another recurring motif of the day is rainbows, which are popularly seen as the bridge to the pot of gold. Even in general symbolism around the world, finding a rainbow is considered good luck!
8. Celtic Knot
The religious symbol can be found in different variations in early Christian manuscripts, crosses, metal crafts, and many other places. As a part of St. Patrick’s Day charms, it represents the interconnectedness of the soul and faith in a divine presence. Today, you can use Celtic knots and related crafts like jewelry for St. Patty’s Day celebrations!
How to Incorporate St. Patrick’s Day’s Symbols in Your Life?
The lucky symbols and motifs can be quite fun and whimsical to include in our day of festivities. Even if you are not a firm believer, adding these activities can help us get into the tradition of the festival and feel connected without doing much work! Here is how you can incorporate the lucky charms into your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations:
1. Decorate with Shamrocks
You can use shamrock motifs, centerpieces, or garlands using. What about some Leprechaun figurines or golden-wrapped chocolate coins to use as gold as in the pots of gold? The combinations are endless, you just need to find the right inspiration.
2. Dress and Decor in Green
It’s almost a tradition to wear green outfits and matching accessories on the day. There are many different shades of green that you can choose according to your style and preference.
Apart from clothing choices, you can decorate your house with green decor items alongside St. Patrick’s Day charms like the harp, gold, and other associated items.
3. Listen to the Traditional Irish Music
Granted, the day is known for popular party music today, but for a more classic touch, you can add traditional harp tunes and melodies alongside the rest of your chosen songs and playlist for a touch of history!
4. Bake Themed Treats
While beer and green frosted cookies are probably the most popular foods of St. Patty’s Day celebration today, you can bake traditional Irish treats and incorporate shamrocks, four-leaf clovers, or any other St. Patrick’s Day charms as decor!
Conclusion
The festival of hope, fun, and heritage, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have a rich history and attached collection of symbols and charms. If you want to get into the spirit of the day, there’s nothing better than understanding and incorporating these charms into your lives to bring a festive flair to your celebrations!
