Yellowknife (Mar 14/03) - Undoubtedly, St. Patrick's Day will bring more of the expected merriment, green beer and, surely, a day's worth of office dwellers donning emerald ties and sweaters.

It may not be a four-leaf clover but it's green. Ed But swears his imperial jade charm has brought him nothing but good luck so far. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo

Everyone has heard the expression "Luck of the Irish" and most are certainly familiar with the legend of the four-leaf clover -- supposedly the deliverer of this Celtic good fortune.

But in these secular times, does anyone really believe in lucky charms any more?

A quick scroll through the phone book and GNWT employee directory revealed that the Irish heritage is alive and well in Yellowknife. The only thing left to ask was if they actually feel that much more lucky when March 17th rolls around?

"I actually don't know what 'luck of the Irish' means," confessed Jim Kennedy, a third-generation Irish-Canadian. "They've (Irish) always been associated with luck, shamrocks and all that kind of jazz.

"Everybody's got a few superstitions but I'm not the biggest believer in (them)."

Maureen Lyons, also of Irish descent, believes if there are any Irish out there who believe they are exceptionally lucky because of their ancestry, they're likely somewhat deluded.

"I know it's a very well-known saying but I'd think it's just in their own minds," said Lyons.

Ed But is not Irish and neither is the lucky charm he keeps but it does have one thing in common with the fabled four-leaf clover -- it's certainly very green.

"It's a Chinese tradition but that's our lucky charm," said But, pointing to his imperial jade carving depicting a monkey peering out from behind a bunch of green grapes. Of course the question begs, has it given him any good luck?

"Oh yes, definitely," said But, who is opening a brand new steak and seafood restaurant on Range Lake Road next month.

"I got it three or fourth months ago before purchasing this place and everything seems to be running a little smoother. Everybody's talking about problems with (finding) staff and I haven't found that at all."