Claddagh Shamrock Brooch

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Beautiful Claddagh Pin with Shamrocks! Great for all occasions. It can be worn as a pendant or a brooch - so it is an extra special gift. It is very detailed and beautiful. Show your Celtic pride with this unique piece!

Pewter - 1 1/2" x 2"

So how did the SHAMROCK become an emblem of Ireland?

It wasn't until the 17th century that it became the custom to wear the shamrock on the feast of Ireland's patron saint; until then, the Irish wore a special St. Patrick's cross, made just for the occasion. Then, in the late 18th century, the shamrock was adopted as an emblem by the Volunteers of 1777. But it didn't really become widely popular until the 19th century, when the emerging Nationalist movements took the shamrock, along with the harp, as one of their emblems.

Viewed as an act of rebellion in Victorian England, Irish regiments were forbidden to display it. This one single act may have done more to establish the shamrock as Ireland's national emblem than anything else.

Today, the shamrock is firmly established as the most instantly recognizable emblem of Ireland.

For good luck, it's usually included in the bouquet of an Irish bride, and also in the boutonniere of the groom. And, it's also an integral part of an old tradition called "drowning the shamrock."

This takes place on St. Patrick's Day, when the shamrock that has been worn is removed and put into the last drink. A toast is proposed and then, when the toast has been honored, the shamrock is taken from the bottom of the glass and thrown over the left shoulder. Sláinte!

PEWTER
Made of solid lead free pewter - Pewter has been used in jewelry making for pewter does NOT RUST OR TARNISH and will last a lifetime. Pewter was used for decorative metal items in the Ancient World by the Egyptians and later the Romans, and came into extensive use in Europe during the Middle Ages - it was once considered the metal of kings because of its beauty and expense!