Lucky Irish Symbols

Shamrock

The Shamrock is a lucky Irish symbol. It grows wild in clover, found all along the countryside of Ireland. The Shamrock is a three-leaf clover, green in color that has come to be synonymous with St. Patrick's Day. The Shamrock dates back to the 5th century when patron saint Patrick used it to demonstrate the Trinity while teaching Christians in Ireland. Legend has it that the three leaves of the Shamrock stood for the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Through the centuries, the Shamrock has come to stand for good luck and is used as a good luck symbol on all sorts of things, from clothing, to jewelry to key chains. Children all over the world make paper Shamrocks as St. Patrick's Day decorations.

Leprechaun

The leprechaun is a dwarf fairy that lives in the forests of Ireland. They are said to watch over the ancient treasures that are in a pot at the end of a rainbow, known as a pot o' gold. Leprechauns take care not to be seen by humans. They come out only at night or in the foggy mist of dawn. If a human catches a Leprechaun it is said that he will offer the human great wealth to be set free. The image of a leprechaun is a symbol of good luck, widely used for St. Patrick's Day decorations. There are many storybooks and fables about the Leprechaun.

Green

Now associated with good luck, the color green was once thought to be bad luck. The more green someone wore, the more appealing you would look to wood fairies who might steal you away. Through the years, the color green has come to be associated with the Irish heritage. Even those who aren't Irish wear something green on St. Patrick's Day as a show of support and for good luck.

Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh ring is a ring that symbolizes love, friendship and loyalty and is the most popular symbol of love in Ireland. The ring is made of two hands holding a heart, which is wearing a crown. The hands symbolize friendship, the heart love and the crown loyalty. The Claddagh ring was named for a small fishing village outside of Galway where it is thought to have originated. The ring was popular in the Middle Ages as a faith ring and has evolved through the centuries. The ring should be worn with the heart pointed inward. The Claddagh ring is often used as a wedding ring by Irish couples around the world.

Blarney Stone

The Blarney Stone is a symbolically lucky spot in Ireland. Part of the Blarney Castle, the Blarney Stone was put into the castle for the luck that it brings. Legend says that an old woman cast a good spell on the stone and gave it to the king in return for saving her from drowning. The Blarney Stone is known throughout the world and is a popular tourist spot in Ireland. Visitors must bend backwards to kiss the stone and receive good luck.