An Irish Blessing
May you always have . . .
Walls for the winds
A roof for the rain
Tea beside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
Those you love near you
And all your heart might desire.

Ireland's patron saint is honored on March 17th. 'Tis said St. Patrick used the shamrock, to explain the meaning of the Trinity . . . 'tis also said he drove snakes from Ireland, banishing the venomous serpents by beating his drum.

Although St. Patrick died thousands of years ago - on March 17, 493 - St. Patrick's Day became a cherished part of American-celebrated holidays. The tradition began in Boston, in 1737. Today, school children will pinch any who don't wear green on St. Patrick's Day, and many a pub will serve green beer.

The shamrock is the national emblem of Ireland, and is worn proudly by Irish people all over the world on St. Patrick's Day. The (normal) three leaves of the shamrock, was used by St. Patrick to represent the Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

No one can agree on which plant is the shamrock picked by St. Patrick. We do know the shamrock is a member of the clover family, and 'tis thought the shamrock itself might be a small hop clover, or a variety of white clover. Some feel the true shamrock is actually the European wood sorrel.

A Blessing from Saint Patrick
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you
in the palm of His hand.