Shamrock
Videos
A shamrock is a type of clover, used as a symbol of Ireland. Saint Patrick, one of Ireland's patron saints, is said to have used it as a metaphor for the Christian Holy Trinity. The name shamrock comes from Irish seamróg, which is the diminutive of the Irish word seamair and simply means "young clover".
Trifolium dubium
This flowering Shamrock was purchased at a grocery store. It is a South American species of wood sorrel Oxalis regnellii.
Trifolium repens
Medicago lupulina
Saint Patrick's Day
Videos
Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a religious and cultural holiday held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
Traditional Saint Patrick's Day badges from the early 20th century, Museum of Country Life in County Mayo
According to legend, Saint Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish pagans.
Sydney Opera House lit up green in honour of Saint Patrick in Sydney, Australia