THE FIRST GREEN OF SPRING

TRIFOLIUM REPENS
or White Clover



There's a dear little plant that grows in our isle,

'Twas Saint Patrick himself, sure, that set it;
And the sun of his labor with pleasure did smile,
And with dew from his eye often wet it.
It grows through the bog, through the brake, through the mireland
And they call it the dear little Shamrock of Ireland.

Legend has it that the Shamrock was used by St. Patrick in the fifth century to show the meaning of the Trinity. It is found on medieval tombs and old copper coins know as St. Patrick's money. It was also thought to have magical powers as the leaves stand upright to warn of an approaching storm.

While the Shamrock is not an official emblem of Ireland it is a popular national brand, the most prominent user being Aer Lingus whose tail is decorated with this heart-shaped trefoil.

For good luck the bouquet of an Irish bride and the boutonniere of the groom include the Shamrock. It is also the symbol of quality for Irish B & B's that have earned the coveted emblem.

And of course today, being St. Patrick's Day, a shamrock that is worn in the hat or lapel is removed and put into the last drink of the evening. After the toast the shamrock is thrown over the left shoulder. Slainte !