Holidays are known for the traditional activities associated with them. However, most also are linked to various symbols or icons — and St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, is no exception.
With the tradition of wearing green and celebratory parties, some may overlook the holiday’s symbolism. Here are some of the icons associated with St. Patrick’s Day, and a brief history on their connection to the holiday.
The shamrock
Perhaps one of the most iconic symbols of St. Patrick’s Day, the shamrock is traditionally seen as a symbol of the Holy Trinity in Christianity, otherwise called the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Tradition says St. Patrick used the shamrock as a teaching method of the religion to non-believing pagans.
Typically, the shamrock is considered to be a three-leaf clover. However, much emphasis has been placed on the much rarer four-leaf clover, which symbolizes good luck and fortune to the individual who finds one.
The Celtic cross
This is another religious symbol that legends say was used by St. Patrick as a way to teach Christianity to pagans. This symbol was created as a combination of the Christian cross with the pagan sun, signifying to new believers Christ’s power over the sun by linking the cross to the sun’s properties of life.
Legends & Lore 