Irish Gifts for St Patricks Day
by Diana W
http://www.giftbasketforall.com

St Patrick's Day is on March 17th.  It is a day observed by the Irish to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick (AD 387 - 461).  St. Patrick was born to wealthy parents in Scotland.  When he was about 14, he was captured by Irish raiders.  He was transported to Ireland where he spent 6 years in captivity before escaping and returning to his family in Britain.  After his religious training and ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland to spread the Christian faith.  He died on March 17, 461. By the eight century, he had come to be revered as the patron saint of Ireland, and the anniversary of his death is celebrated as his feast day.  The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday since the seventeen century.

Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated as a secular holiday.  The symbols of this holiday include the shamrock, the color green, the leprechauns, and anything Irish. This article examines the symbols of this holiday and provides ideas for St Patrick's Day gifts. 

The key symbol of St Patrick's Day is the shamrock.  According to Irish folklore, St. Patrick chose the three-leaf clover or shamrock as a symbol of the church's Holy Trinity.  He used the three-leafed shamrock to illustrate the idea of the Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Green is the color for Saint Patricks Day.  This maybe because green is the color of the shamrock.  Also, Ireland is known as the "Emerald Isle", and emerald is green.  Green clothings are worn by the Irish and non-Irish alike for the celebration.  In fact, one may be pinched for not wearing green.  Even the Chicago River is dyed green for the holiday.     

Another symbol for this holiday is the leprechaun.  According to Irish folklore, a leprechaun is a merry little elf of less than 2 feet tall, and wears a green hat over his red hair.  He is a cobbler who makes shoes for other fairies.  According to legend, leprechauns possess a hidden pot of gold.  If you can catch a leprechaun, he will have to tell you where his pot of gold is hidden. So the leprechaun has become a symbol of good luck and fortune.

To help you celebrate this fun-filled holiday with family and friends, this article provides some ideas for Irish gifts.

1.  St. Patricks Day Fortunes: 

You can send a dozen exquisitely hand-decorated fortune cookies in a lovely gold rimmed wheel.   These cookies are decorated with green shamrock, and the face of the leprechaun.  In addition, a message of good fortune can be found inside each cookie. You can send these delicious cookies and bring some Irish luck and fortune to your recipients.

2.  Chocolate Dipped Oreos:
Alternatively, You can send a box of oreo cookies dipped in fine gourmet Belgian chocolates.  These cookies are then decorated with hand-crafted royal icing Leprechauns and Shamrocks, and Saint Patrick's Day candy sprinkles. These cookies will sure make great Saint Paticks Day treats.

3.  Irish Gourmet Gift Basket:
You can also send a gourmet gift basket beautifully dressed up in green ribbons and shamrocks for the holiday.  Inside the dark stain wicker basket, you can find an array of delicious treats, including Ghirardelli chocolate bars, roasted almonds, caramel corn, Irish cream coffee, and chocolate covered shortbread cookies. 

4. Irish-Themed Coaster Set:
St. Patrick's Day is about everything Irish.  You can send a personalized Irish themed coaster set to family members and friends, so they can proudly display their Irish heritage while protecting their furniture.  This set of four waterproof coasters feature unique designs to choose from.  One popular design is the beloved Claddagh, consisting of two hands gently clasping a crowned heart.  The hands are for friendship, the heart is for love, the crown is for loyalty throughout the year.  Thus, the Claddagh is a symbol of love, loyality, and friendship.

5. Personalized Irish Picture Frames:
You can also send a personalized Irish picture frames to highlight your favorite picture and add a little bit of Irish to your home décor. You can select design from bright and bold green Celtic patterns, to delicate traditional white scroll and cheery clovers.  The picture frame will be a great way to display a fond St. Patrick's Day memory.

6. Personalized Irish Beer Stein:
You can send a stein featuring the colors of the Irish flag and the beloved shamrock, or the Claddagh.  The ceramic stein holds 16 ounces of beverage and is dishwasher safe. The stein can be personalized with the recipient's last name to make it a truly personal gift.

In summary, is celebrated by Irish and non-Irish alike as a fun holiday. You can bring some Irish luck to friends and family members with St Patricks Day fortune cookies, chocolate dipped oreos, gourmet gift basket, or a personalized gift.