Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick's Day as early as the 17th century. St. Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish, and the wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a ubiquitous feature of the day. The phrase "the wearing of the green", meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing, derives from the song of the same name. This little cherub has found a lucky four-leaf clover and wants to pick it from its stem, but the clover is bigger than he is. Good luck little fellow! The words “Bonne Fete” suggest that this vintage image is of French origin.