Shamrocks, Harps, and Shillelaghs: The Story of the St. Patrick's Day Symbols

By: Edna Barth

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Synopsis: St. Patrick's Day is one of exuberant, merry, traditions. Barth explains the religious, social and political beliefs being commemorated on St. Patrick's Day by explaining the source of the symbols incorporated in the celebrations from dawn till dark. She points out how the holiday observance varies in Ireland from The United States where the population with Irish ancestry is larger than the population of Ireland itself. Concisely she traces the origins and importance of shamrocks harps, and Shillelaghs and goes on to summarize St. Patrick's life and the 30 to 40 years he spent first as a slave and eventually as a Bishop in Ireland. She traces the emergence and meaning of the orange, white and green Irish flag, summarizing Ireland's opposition to English occupation, the deprivations suffered by the Irish and their struggle to preserve their language and heritage. She describes parades, holiday foods, Leprechauns, Fairies, dance and the high value placed on song, poetry and storytelling both in pubs and in world renowned literature. Includes lists of Stories for St. Patrick's day, resources and an index.