Shamrock is the national flower of Ireland (Eire). According to legend, St. Patrick planted the little plant in Ireland because its three small leaves represented the Holy Trinity. All loyal sons of Eire still wear the shamrock in their lapel on St. Patrick’s day. The name shamrock is anglicized from Seemrog, which means firefoil (three-leaved). It is given to a number of plants, but a small clover is usually considered the true shamrock. The shamrock appears with the thistle and the rose on the British coat of arms, for these are the flowers of Ireland, Scotland, and England.Taken from Ideas and Information for Fun Family Traditions All Year Round by LaDawn Jacob
