In legend The ShamrockPious legend credits St. Patrick with banishing snakes from the island.[55] However, all evidence suggests that post-glacial Ireland never had snakes.[56] However, one suggestion is that snakes referred to the serpent symbolism of the Druids[57] during that time and place, as exampled on coins minted in Gaul (see Carnutes). Legend also credits St. Patrick with teaching the Irish about the concept of the Holy Trinity by showing people the shamrock, a three-leaved clover, using it to highlight the Christian belief of 'three divine persons in the one God.'[58] For this reason, shamrocks have definitely become a central symbol for St Patrick’s Day. Nevertheless, the shamrock was also seen as sacred in the olden days in Ireland. Due to its green color and overall shape, many believed it to represent rebirth and life. The three leaves of the clover represent faith, love, hope and, of course, luck. Because of this other reason, the shamrock has continued to be very popular in the Irish culture, representing Ireland and the Irish people. Some Irish legends involve the Oilliphéist, the Caoránach, and the Copóg Phádraig. During his evangelising journey back to Ireland from his parent's home at Birdoswald, he is understood to have carried with him an ash wood walking stick or staff. He thrust this stick into the ground wherever he was evangelising and at the place now known as Aspatria (ash of Patrick) the message of the dogma took so long to get through to the people there that the stick had taken root by the time he was ready to move on. The 12th century work Acallam na Senórach tells of Patrick being met by two ancient warriors, Caílte mac Rónáin and Oisín, during his evangelical travels. The two were once members of Fionn mac Cumhaill's warrior band the Fianna, and somehow survived to Patrick's time.

Sainthood and modern remembrance St Patrick's Neo-Gothic Cathedral in New York City, as seen from Rockefeller center.March 17, popularly known as St. Patrick's Day, is believed to be his death date and is the date celebrated as his feast day. The day became a feast day in the universal church due to the influence of the Waterford-born Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding, as a member of the commission for the reform of the Breviary[61] in the early part of the 17th century. Kilpatrick still retains many memorials of Saint Patrick, and frequent pilgrimages continued far into the Middle Ages to honour his sanctity and miracles. For most of Christianity's first thousand years, canonisations were done on the diocesan or regional level. Relatively soon after the death of people considered to be very holy people, the local Church affirmed that they could be liturgically celebrated as saints. As a result, St. Patrick has never been formally canonised by a Pope; nevertheless, various Christian churches declare that he is a Saint in Heaven (he is in the List of Saints). He is still widely venerated in Ireland and elsewhere today.[62] St. Patrick is honored with a feast day on the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church (USA) on March 17. St. Patrick is also venerated in the Orthodox Church, especially among English-speaking Orthodox Christians living in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland and in North America.[63] There are Orthodox icons dedicated to him.[64]

The four leaf clover is a universally accepted symbol of good luck with its origin ages old. According to legend, Eve carried a four leaf clover from the Garden of Eden. "The clovers also occupied a position in the cultural life of early peoples. White clover (T. repens L.) in particular was held in high esteem by the early Celts of Wales as a charm against evil spirits." Clover Science and Technology". N.L. Taylor, 1985. Druids held the 4 leaf clover in high esteem and considered them a sign of luck. In 1620, Sir John Melton wrote: "If a man walking in the fields find any four-leaved grass, he shall in a small while after find some good thing. The mystique of the four leaf clover continues today, since finding a real four leaf clover is still a rare occurrence and omen of good luck. What do the leaves symbolize? One leaf is for FAITH... The second for HOPE... The third for LOVE... And the fourth for LUCK!

Very cool image and interesting information

As I sip on my Green Beer while looking at my 4 leaf clover I can gladly say ... Happy St.Patties too You!...(smiles)....

Green beer...Green bagels what ever could be made green is special for this day....

~Excellent! Happy St. Patrick's Day!~

Wonderful scene! Thanks for the history info, I didn't know most of that!

It's green! Fantastic image for this day!

Very cool characters, great scene and thanks for all the info !

Oh, those mischievous little leprechauns! Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!

I like all the background info you provided, very interesting. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

excellent vita,i got me the k4 charmed leprechaun yesterday but have not finished yet. these are 3 fine buggers you assembled here.joyful and peaceful image due to the green.yeap and gosha as always with the finger up his nose,well better than up his a..............lol

Aiii! That is so cute! The Hope is green! Wonderful done!

Fantastic work!!

Exceptional work!!!

cool info you provided, excellent image.

What a sweet scene, well done!

Very cool image

Sweet, fine and fun scene! :o)