ESW: The Irish and their symbolsOnline version Find out about the national symbols of Ireland. Form the correct groups. by nathalie veninga 1 Book of Kells 2 Shamrock 3 Saint Patrick 4 The Irish flag Contains the four Gospels of the New Testament about the life and death of Jesus Christ. Became famous for its intrinsic artwork and the use of vibrant colours. Considered a masterpiece of the early Middle-Ages Alledgedly written around 800 AD Shrouded in mystery: the authors are unknown and its origin is controversial On display in the library of Trinity College in Dublin Reason 1 for being a symbol: Legend has it that St. Patrick used this to explain the Holy Trinity to the ancient Celtics. 3 leaves, NOT 4. Said to stand for faith, love and hope. Symbolizes Ireland and all things Irish. Reason 2 for being a symbol: Long before Christianity, it was believed that the number three had magical properties and was considered to bring good luck. This is a recurring theme throughout Celtic folklore. In the 18th century this began to change from a symbol purely associated with St. Patrick to an Irish national symbol when it became an emblem for revolutionary nationalist groups. E.g. used on flags Regarded as the founder of Christianity in Ireland. Came to Ireland in 431 AD. Surrounded by many legends: Apart from the use of the Shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, he has banished all snakes from Ireland, but since snakes have never existed in Ireland, it is understood to be a metaphor for Celtic druids. Although he is called Saint, he was never formally canonised (which is necessary to become a saint) by the Catholic Church. In the early 17th century his death date (the 17th of March) was made an official Christian holiday. Since the Irish have spread to a lot of countries in the world and this day celebrates all things Irish, it became a national holiday in many countries, e.g. the USA. A tricolored flag which made its first appearance in 1848. It is a symbol of hope and peace. During the Easter Rising of 1916, it was raised above the General Post Office in Dublin's main boulevard while the proclamation of the Irish Republic was read out on the steps below. Following the Easter Rising its popularity had become widespread and it was adopted as the national flag in 1922 when the Irish Free State was established. This was made formal in 1937. From left to right: Green, White, Orange. The green represents the Catholics en their fight for independence. The orange symbolises the Protestants and their support of William of Orange. And white stands for the hope of peace between the two. Inspired by the French Revolution of 1848 this was flown 8 days during the 1848 Young Ireland Rebellion before it was taken down by the English.
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