St. Patrick's Day is on March 17. It is observed by the Irish to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick (AD 387 - 461). The Irish have observed the anniversary of his death as a religious holiday since the seventeen century. Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated as a secular holiday. This article examines the symbols of this holiday and provides ideas for Saint Patrick's Day gifts.
St Patrick’s Day Greetings Cards
The symbols of St. Patrick's Day include the shamrock, the color green, the leprechauns, and anything Irish. The main symbol of this holiday is the shamrock, which is also the symbol of Ireland. According to Irish folklore, St. Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to illustrate the idea of the Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The color green is associated with this holiday probably because green is the color of the shamrock. Green clothing is worn by the Irish and non-Irish alike for the celebration. Even the Chicago River is dyed green for the celebration.
Another symbol of St. Patrick's Day is the leprechaun. According to Irish folklore, a leprechaun is a merry little elf no more than 2 feet tall, wearing a green hat over his red hair. He is a cobbler who makes shoes for other fairies. Leprechauns are believed to possess a hidden pot of gold. If you can catch a leprechaun, he will have to tell you where his pot of gold is hidden. Hence, the leprechaun is believed to bring in Irish good luck and fortune.
Another important Irish symbol is the Claddagh, consisting of two hands gently clasping a crowned heart at the center. The heart is the Irish symbol of love. The hands are for friendship, and the crown is for everlasting loyalty. Thus, the Claddagh symbolizes love, loyalty, and friendship. The Claddagh was designed by an Irish fisherman named Robert Joyce who was kidnapped by the pirates. He was sold as a slave to work in a goldsmith's shop. While working as the goldsmith's assistant, he created the first Claddagh ring to symbolize the love he had for the woman back in Ireland. When he finally regained his freedom in 1689, he returned to Ireland and found out the woman he loved was waiting for him to return, just as he had been waiting for her all those years. Nowadays, the Claddagh has become a popular Irish symbol, and not just for St. Patrick's Day.
When selecting gifts for family members and friends to celebrate this holiday, you probably would prefer gifts that incorporate some of the Irish symbols discussed above. Some of these gifts are highlighted below:
1. Saint Patrick's Day Fortune Cookies:
You can send a dozen exquisitely hand-decorated fortune cookies contained in a lovely gold rimmed wheel. These cookies are decorated with green shamrocks, and faces of the leprechauns. In addition, a message of good fortune can be found inside each cookie. You can send these delicious cookies and bring some Irish luck to your recipients.
2. Chocolate Dipped Oreos:
Similarly, You can send a box of Oreo cookies dipped in fine gourmet Belgian chocolates. These cookies are decorated with hand-crafted royal icing leprechauns and Shamrocks, and Saint Patrick's Day candy sprinkles. These cookies will sure make great Saint Patrick's Day treats.
3. Irish-Themed Coaster Set:
St. Patrick's Day is about everything Irish. You can send a personalized Irish-themed coaster set to family members and friends, so they can proudly display their Irish heritage while protecting their furniture. You can choose among the Celtic designs and the Claddagh. These practical gifts are a great reminder of your Irish heritage.
4. Personalized Irish Picture Frames:
You can also send a personalized Irish picture frames to highlight your favorite picture. You can select designs from bright green Celtic patterns, to traditional cheery green clovers. The picture frame will be a great way to add a little bit of Irish to your home decor.
In summary, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by Irish and non-Irish alike as a fun holiday. You can bring some Irish luck to friends and family members with fortune cookies, chocolate dipped Oreos, or a personalized Irish gift.
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