Shamrocks-Happy St. Patrick's Day

I was recently reminded I have been slacking in my holiday history blogs. I had actually forgotten and am happy to jump back on the band wagon. I decided to start with St. Patrick's since it is still one of my favorite holidays. As a child I used to look through the clover in our lawn when a patch would emerge and try to find a 4-leaf clover. I was sure it would bring me good luck. I saw a banner on MSN asking about the history of Shamrocks and thought i'd do a little research. The history channel was once again was the most insightful without losing my interest: Short and sweet.

Picture of red clover leaf.David Beaulieu

Symbols and Traditions-The Shamrock
The shamrock, which was also called the "seamroy" by the Celts, was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring. By the seventeenth century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism. As the English began to seize Irish land and make laws against the use of the Irish language and the practice of Catholicism, many Irish began to wear the shamrock as a symbol of their pride in their heritage and their displeasure with English rule.

I also learned that Corned Beef has only been an Irish meal since the turn of the century when Irish American could afford it in NYC. In lew of the holiday we'll be having it for dinner and for sandwiches for the next few days. YUMMY!

I tried to bring in a little fun today with some green mac'n cheese. I was excited and thought the girls would be too, especially McKenna who recently read and did a craft at school with Green Eggs and Ham. Alas she ordered "orange noodlels and cheese" declaring my fun unfit. I admit I didn't give in, instead I took pictures of her leftovers.