Three is Ireland's magic number. Hence the Shamrock. Crone, Mother and Virgin. Love, Valour and Wit.. Faith, Hope and
Charity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Numbers played an important role in Celtic symbolism. Three was the most sacred
and magical number. It multiplies to nine, which is sacred to Brigit. Three may have signified totality: past, present and
future OR behind, before and here OR sky, earth and underworld. Everything good in Ireland comes in threes. The rhythm of story
telling in the Irish tradition is based on threefold repetition. This achieves both intensification and exaggeration. Even today
in quality pub talk, a raconteur can rarely resist a third adjective, especially if it means stretching a point. "Three
accomplishments well regarded in Ireland: a clever verse, music on the harp, the art of shaving faces."
