NYU Irish Studies Expert Talks Shamrocks at The Bristal at Massapequa

Marion R. Casey, a resident of Wantagh, a Clinical Professor of Irish Studies at NYU, and author of The Green Space: The Transformation of the Irish Image, spoke to residents at The Bristal Assisted Living at Massapequa, about why and how shamrocks became essential St. Patrick’s Day imagery. Dr. Casey had a particularly special guest in the audience—her mother, Joan Casey, a resident of The Bristal at Massapequa.

Dr. Casey explored the facts, myths, and changing perceptions about the shamrock over time. According to Professor Casey, the shamrock's association with Ireland's patron saint, Patrick, has a confusing history. It wasn't until more than a thousand years after his death that people began to connect the plant with the saint for religious reasons.

She discussed how, as St. Patrick’s Day emerged as the first ethnic holiday in the American calendar, the shamrock helped transform March 17th into a major secular business opportunity. The imaginative sales spin that resulted became widely accepted as representative of all things Irish for most of the twentieth century.

About The Bristal Assisted Living

For over 20 years, The Bristal Assisted Living communities have proudly served families across the tri-state area. With 24 locations spanning Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, New Jersey, and Manhattan, The Bristal offers exceptional independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. To learn more about their offerings and locations, visit thebristal.com