by Gemma Wiseman

Created on: March 06, 2009   Last Updated: March 09, 2009

The history and symbolism of the shamrock relies mainly on legend - many fascinating legends. In fact, is a shamrock real? How did the whole idea begin and what does it all mean? At times, it is difficult to separate the "absolute fact" of history from the metaphor of symbolism and legend.

The first legend is associated with the word "shamrock". What is a shamrock exactly? The word "shamrock", first used by English herbalist John Gerard in 1596, (some sources claim a reference in 1571), is the English version of the Irish/Celtic "seamroy" or "seamrog" which translates literally as "little/young clover" and its extended meaning is "summer plant" symbolising the rebirth of spring. Gerard was referring to meadow trefoils or three leafed clovers. But clover is a common, weedy plant boasting many varieties in white, blue, red, yellow and black. Which one is the shamrock? Not even the Irish agree, though many favour the white clover.

Irish records were still recording "seamrog" and not "shamrock" in 1707. So dare we suggest that perhaps "shamrock" is essentially an English word not accepted and adopted by the Irish till after the 18th century? Some Irish even claim that the shamrock can only be grown in Irish soil. But clovers worn as shamrock grow wild in Britain, Europe and in Northern America. The word itself is entangled in historical fact overlaid with legend.

Some legends suggest that the plant began its historical and symbolic journey with the Druids of Ireland. As in many religions, three was a mystical number in Celtic religion and the shamrock was sacred to the Druids because its leaves formed a triad. To prove this theory, we may need to look at when the Celtic word "seamrog" was first used, but that proof is elusive, lost in unrecorded times.

Still before the 16th century record of the shamrock, there are many stories that connect the shamrock with Saint Patrick and hence, by default, it becomes a major symbol of Saint Patrick's Day on 17th March and Christianity. According to one legend, in the 5th century Saint Patrick plucked a shamrock from the soil to illustrate his Christian message to the Irish. Here was Nature's proof of the Holy Trinity in the three leaves of the shamrock. (The number three was always a number of magic. It is easy to see how the the three leafed shamrock meant good luck). Again, it seems very difficult to separate history from symbolism and legend.

The shamrock has further Christian association. At one time it was planted on graves

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