St. Patrick was the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.
Long before the shamrock became associated with St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), the four-leaf clover was regarded by ancient Celts as a charm against evil spirits.
In the early 1900s, O. H. Benson, an Iowa school superintendent, came up with the idea of using a clover as the emblem for a newly founded agricultural club for children in his area. In 1911, the four-leaf clover was chosen as the emblem for the national club program, later named 4-H.
If you’re inclined toward the legend, lore, and festivities of the saint and how the Irish honor him, check out this St. Patrick’s Day site where you’ll find everything from parades to recipes.
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