Ireland’s grassy landscapes cover the island with such beauty that it is known for its Forty Shades of Green. This is the common belief behind the nickname Emerald Isle.
The emerald stone is not native to Ireland, so some people look to the spiritual meaning behind the emerald stone for its relation to Ireland. Many cultures worldwide, including the ancient Irish, believe emeralds symbolize vitality, prosperity, and rebirth throughout history.
Others believe one becomes wittier and more intelligent when wearing an emerald, somewhat similar to the Blarney Stone. Emerald Isle was first used in print in Willam Drennan’s 1778 poem, “When Erin First Rose.”
Drennan was a poet, physician, and activist who spoke out about the uprising and political unrest. He wrote of violence and hatred turning green meadows to blood-red.