Irish Folk Tales

Click the claddaugh to read it's legend

Why the shamrock?
It was used by St. Patrick as he was spreading Christianity throughout Ireland. He used the shamrock to demonstrate the holy trinity
The father, son and holy ghost, he used the three leaf shamrock to represent how the father, son and holy spirit could all exist as seperate elements of the same entity

What's the deal with the leprechaun?
He is an Irish fairy. Leprechauns are often referred to as "Wee people".�
According to legend, lephrecauns are aloof, and unfriendly. They live alone and pass their time making shoes (hence the attire they wear) They are also known to be pranksters, and tricksters.
They are known to posess hidden pots of gold, and if you hunt them down by the sound of their shoe maker's hammer, and threaten them with bodily harm, they will show you where they hid their pot o' gold. BUT...don't take your eyes off of these tricky little fairies for one second, (and they are experts at tricking you into doing just that) because they will disappear with their pot o' gold without a trace.

The Blarney Stone...

It is a stone set in Blarney Castle.
According to legend, a spell was cast upon the Castle because the king saved an old woman from drowning. She said that whoever shall kiss the Blarney Stone shall recieve the gift of Blarney ( the gift of persuasive eloquence.) To be able to speak sweetly and persuasivly.
The stone is very difficult to reach however. You must bend backward and hold onto and iron rail. It is almost as if you are hanging upside down when you kiss the stone

Who was St. Patrick?
St. Patrick was a bishop to Irleand who very successful at converting pagans to Christianity.� He was so good he was arrested several times by Celtic Druids who were angered and threatend by his work. He escaped every time he was arrested.� He traveled throughout Ireland establishing monasteries, he set up schools and churches as well which helped him out in his conversion to Christianity.� St. Patrick died March 17th 461 AD which was commerated St. Patricks Day and we have celebtrated ever since.� There are many folktales about St. Patrick, from him driving the snakes out of Irleand to raising the dead, but most of it has not be proven true.

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