Irish Symbols and Divine Gifts in Shorewood: The 17 Days of St. Patrick

We cannot have a series on St. Patrick without talking about Irish symbols. Two that are directly related to our dear Padraig are the shamrock and the Celtic cross.

First a little history, then where to find them here in Shorewood.

To start, I have been told by young people who have never seen a record player, that I must first explain what a shamrock actually is. It is more than just a shake. It is more than just a weed that kills my grass. It is a three-leafed clover.

St. Pat made it immortal when he used it to explain to the Irish pagans what Christians call the trinity. He said that just like there are three leaves on one stem, so are there three persons in one God. Then he pointed to each leaf and said God the father, God the son, and God the holy spirit.

Today, all these centuries later, the shamrock has become synonymous with the Irish. (Hence the green shake around Paddy's Day.)

Another Irish symbol, the Celtic cross, is rooted in paganism. It is a cross with a circle around it. After Patrick introduced Christianity to the pagans, many symbols, including the Celtic cross, evolved from both traditions.

I have read in many places countless meanings to the symbol, from balance and eternity, to the sun and moon. For me, the Celtic cross represents more than just a faith, it is about a place and a people.

Today, many different organizations adopted the shamrock and the Celtic cross as their own symbol or logo. They have been tattooed and printed on all manner of things. Notre Dame,  the Boston Celtics, Guinness and Aer Lingus are examples. So is the Gaelic Athletic League.

And even, sadly, white pride organizations have adopted the Celtic cross, particularly in France and Germany.  (I won't give them the courtesy of naming by name.) Probably not what Patrick had in mind.

Shamrocks & Celtic Crosses in Shorewood

Right here at home, though, we can find these icons plenty. Gifts Divine, a Catholic gift shop on Route 59, offers a fairly large selection of Irish items, including plaques, gowns and jewelry.

When my son, Liam Shanley Gallagher, was baptized (the fine Polish family that we are), this shop had the coolest St. Patrick crucifixes for Godparent gifts.

"I am Irish, and I always wanted a little spot in the store," said Owner Lori Andrejek. Her brother, Scott Davis, is a silent partner.

Andrejek explained that the religious Irish stuff sells very well. The cutesy stuff doesn't really sell at all.

Some of the Irish stuff you can find at Gifts Divine includes frames, plaques, bonnets and bibs, Irish wedding blessings, St. Patrick items and rosaries.

Gifts Divine is also known for their baptism gowns and gifts. They carry hundreds of different styles of gowns, including special Irish lace. They have long or short, satin or knit, catalogs and web sites.

They also have emerald crystal Irish rosary bracelets. They also have cross necklaces with tiny shamrocks embedded. They have medals of St. Patrick and many other saints.

You don't have to be Irish to find something special at this shop. They also carry special gifts for the rest of the world as well. Andrejek said the leather bible with a name and date embossed is a common gift. They cost $42 plus $9 per line for embossing.

For more information about all Irish gifts, including Crosses and shamrocks, click to www.GiftsDivine.org or call 815-729-9623.