Over 36 million Americans claim Irish descent, meaning that March 17th is a big holiday for people from coast to coast. And considering there are only 4.6 million people in Ireland itself, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by far more people in the United States than in its home country. A cultural phenomenon that started as a religious observance for Roman Catholics, the day has many customs and traditions associated with it.

It is said the “everyone is Irish” on St. Patrick’s Day. If you would like to recognize those in your life who really can claim Irish blood, considering sending beautiful green s or plants from Al’s Florist! Need suggestions? Green carnations are traditional, while green orchid or mums can make an interesting piece of holiday decor. 

St. Patrick was not even Irish, in fact, his association with Ireland has a dark beginning. Kidnapped from Great Britain as a young boy, Maewyn Succat was held captive in Ireland. He prayed continually for his release, and it is said during this time that he “found religion”. After being freed, he adopted the name Patrick and returned to Ireland as a missionary, and is credited with bringing Christianity to the country. Although legend says that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland, historians say this is a myth. The story is likely rooted in the conversion of many pagan druids who were known for snake symbolism.

Although the four-leaf clover may represent the “luck of the Irish”, it is actually three-leaf clovers that are the official green plants of the holiday. The three leaf version was used by Patrick to teach school children about the Trinity. Your chance of finding a four leaf clover in a sea of shamrock is about 1 in 10,000 – so you really would be quite lucky if you did!

The floral designers at Al’s Florist have some creative and whimsical ideas as to how to add green plants and s to your home or office, so give us a call!