Trinity Knot Shamrock Brooch

Pewter shamrock pin with trinity knot detailing.

Adorn any outfit with this eye-catching brooch to show off your Irish pride...pewter with trinity knot details.

Measures 1" x 1" in size. Locking steel pin with loop so the brooch can be worn as a pendant as well.

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.

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 in the hat or lapel is removed and put into the last drink of the evening. 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!