The Shamrock.

Manawatu Herald, 21 June 1900, Page 3

The Shamrock.

The shamrock, or trefoil, which was worn so much on St. Patrick's Day in the British- Empire, is probably of great antiquity. It is peculiar to Ireland in connection with its patron saint, who is represented, in the habit of a bishop, holding a trefoil. This emblem formed one of the earliest ornaments in the architecture of the 1 2th and 13th centuries, and continued throughout the successive changes and beauties of all that is resplendent in the Gottilc style. Its intimate allusion to the fundamental doctrines of the Church would naturally have introduced it into ecclesiastical architecture; but, as it is said that St. Patrick taught his early converts to Christianity the existence of the Holy Trinity by referring to the trefoil, it has the highest claim upon the veneration of every devout Irishman, who instinctively cherishes it as an emblem of his conntry and of his faith. In 1801 the shamrock was introduced as a badge for Ireland ; and, with the rose and thistle all springing from one stalk, composes the badge for the Un'.ted Kingdom. The diadem worn by our Queen is* a circle, on the rim of which the united badge, composed as above, is placed between the crosses patees in lieu of the fleur-de-lis, which, however, is still retained in the crown itself be* tween the, four Maltese crosses.