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The legends and lore of Ireland form its rich cultural history. They are full of stories and faeries, leprechauns and historical tales including that of Saint Patrick ridding the famous Emerald Isle of snakes. These tales about the religious and the ancient pagan reflect the culture of this tiny island nation. The shamrock, the plant with three leaves, is considered a symbol of Ireland. Saint Patrick equated the three leaves with the symbolism of the holy Christian trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This symbol was said to have mystic powers of healing and protection. No wonder, it is often carved into graves. The color green is commonly associated with Ireland, including its famous nickname of the Emerald Isle. Green is thought to be the color of life and spring, so the people use it to display their national pride. Additionally, the wet weather of Ireland allows it to possess lush green plants, thus the Emerald Isle. The most famous folklore associated with Ireland is of leprechaun. These small and charming leprechuan's are related to rainbows and pots of gold, zealously protecting the wealth from those who are fortunate enough to find the end of the rainbow. Normally, leprechuans are pranksters and rascals who do not harm anybody but commit mischiefs to entertain both children and the old alike. Be a part of this prank and catch leprechauns the next time you see a rainbow! The Blarney stone in the famous Blarney Castle has a legend attached to it. It is said to have bestowed the gift of eloquence to Lord of Blarney when the reagent of England's’sQueen Elizabeth I tried to influence him to English rule. The poor Lord did not know what to say to the ruler. A wise woman told him to kiss the Blarney stone and he succeeded in making his plea before the Queen. Ancient Irish celebrated the holiday known as Samhain on the 31st of October—All Hallow’s Eve. On this date, a great feast was thrown, along with a ceremonial extinguishing and lighting of bonfires. Since the Celts believed in spirits, every man, woman, and child dressed in a disguise to fool evil spirits on their way home. Finn McCool is best known as the friendly giant of Ireland that protected the fair isle against attack. It is believe Finn fought against an evil giant from Scotland by extracting a large clod of earth and throwing it at the big Scot. The hole left soon filled with water and left Ireland’s largest body of water, Lough Neagh. Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland has the most popular legend attached to his name. Saint Patrick worked with the Roman Catholic Church to convert pagans to Christianity in the fifth century. He was always on the run since he had upset the Droids and was often imprisoned. He is said to have rid Ireland of snakes, as he set a curse upon the serpents, making them drown in the sea.
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