Stpaddys2

Irish
Legends & Myths

~ The Shamrock ~

There's a dear little plant that grows in our Isle
'Twas Patrick himself sure that set it
And the sun on his labor with pleasure did smile
And a tear from his eyes oft-times wet it
It grows through the bog, through the brake, through the mireland
And they call it the dear little Shamrock of Ireland.

~ The Leprechaun ~

Near a misty stream in Ireland in the hollow of a tree
Live mystical, magical leprechauns who are clever as can be
With their pointed ears, and turned up toes and little coats of green
The Leprechauns busily make their shoes and try hard not to be seen
Only those who really believe have seen these little elves
And if we are believers
We can surely see ourselves.

~ The Blarney Stone ~

The Blarney Stone is a stone set in the wall of the Blarney Castle tower in the irish village of Blarney. Kissing the stone is supposed to bring the kisser the gift of persuasive eloquence.

It's hard to reach the stone, it's between the main castle wall and the parapet. The kissers have to lie on their back and bend backward, holding iron bars for support.

~ The Claddagh ~

The Claddagh is a design of a heart being encircled by a pair of delicate hands with a crown above the heart.
It is a symbol of love and friendship.
The hands signify friendship, the crown loyalty, and the heart, love.
The claddagh ring originated in Claddagh, said to be the oldest fishing village in Ireland.

Today the ring is worn extensively across Ireland, either on the right hand with the heart turned outwards, showing that the wearer is "fancy free". Or with the heart turned inwards, to denote that the he or she is "spoken for".
The pride of place is on the left hand, with the heart turned in, indicating that the wearer is happily married.