The Irish Shamrock
The
Irish Shamrock is, like Guinness, immediately
associated throughout the world with Ireland and things Irish. It is said
to have been used by St. Patrick to illustrate
and explain to his followers the concept of the Holy Trinity - How one God
divided into three, The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.
Now however Shamrock is normally seen symbolised on the huge amount of "Irish" gifts found in the many "souvenir shops" which are abundant through the country in areas most popular with tourists. To be avoided at all costs are "Irish Souvenirs" marked MADE IN TAIWAN.
A
more positive tradition is the wearing of shamrock by many on the 17th
March, St. Patrick's Day . A tradition which even extends to one regiment
of the British Army the Royal Irish Regiment. On St. Patrick's day every
year Shamrock is presented to members of the Regiment and is worn on their
head-dress called a Corbeen. It does not matter where the regiment is the
tradition is upheld, and it is not unheard of for Shamrock to be flown to
the USA, Germany or other parts of the world so that it is available.