Origin and History of the Shamrock
The Shamrock plant is a very popular Irish symbol and worn with pride by Irish people all over the world on the 17th March every year, St Patrick's Day. The shamrock was made famous by St Patrick who used the shamrock to explain to the pagan people of Ireland about the Trinity when he was trying to convert them to Christianity. He explained that the The three leaves of the shamrock represented god in the three different forms. God the father, his son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Shamrock - Irish Symbol
Many companies and organisations across the world use the Shamrock as part of their emblem including Aer Lingus, the Irish Guards (British Army) and the Boston Celtics basketball team. Even the US cereal Lucky Charms is shaped like a shamrock! The flag of Montreal in Canada features a Shamrock in the bottom right hand corner. When the city designed its flag in the 19th century the four countries which made up its population were represented and the shamrock represents the Irish people.

Facts about the Shamrock

• The Shamrock plant is a three-leaved old white clover
  

• A Shamrock is NOT the same as a four leaf clover! Many people confuse these symbols, the four leaf clover is a good luck symbol, the leaves represent love, hope, happiness and health whereas the Shamrock has three leaves representing the Christian Trinity (Three beings as one, God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit)
  

• Since the 18th century the Shamrock has been recognised as the plant symbol of Ireland
  

• The shamrock is traditionally worn by Irish people in their lapel on St Patrick's day
  

• Although used by many organisations as part of their emblem it has been registered as a trademark by the Government of Ireland
  

• The air traffic control sign for Aer Lingus is Shamrock! Aer Lingus planes all feature a Shamrock on their tailfins
  

• Wearing a shamrock on St Patrick's day is believed to bring good luck and blessings!