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 to symbolize the hope of new life after the resurrection. St Patrick's Cathedral in New York bears out a connection between the clover-like shamrock and Christianity. Its architecture is festooned with three-leafed symbols.
By the 17th century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism. It was worn as a lapel badge of Irish identity on Saint Patrick's Day. As the English seized Irish lands and made laws against the use of the Irish language and the practice of Catholicism, many Irish began to wear the shamrock as a symbol of pride in their heritage.
In Queen Victoria's 19th century, the shamrock was recognised as a sign of rebellion. Irish regiments were forbidden to wear or display it and risked death by hanging if they did. This was this period which spawned the phrase "the wearin' o' the green".
The shamrock is not an official emblem of Ireland. That honour is reserved for the harp. But by the 20th century the shamrock was used as a popular 'national' brand, a statement of being Irish or having some Irish connection.
And there are some very interesting Irish connections brandishing the shamrock symbol. The first Irish Masonic Lodge in Hong Kong is called Shamrock Lodge No. 712 and was established in 1947. Until then, the only Irish lodge in the Far East was in Shanghai. And the Irish national airline, Aer Lingus, has a heart-shaped trefoil on the tail of each plane. On Saint Patrick's Day, Aer Lingus flies fresh shamrock to Irish Embassies all over the globe.
Many townships proudly display a little Irish spirit on Saint Patrick's Day and the shamrock is a recognisable major symbol on windows and signs. But one township in the U.S. has actually taken the word "shamrock" as its own. An Irish immigrant in the 1800's suggested the name. Shamrock in Texas has a population of about 2000 people. It is small. But since 1938, it has staged a Saint Patrick's Day Festival. Originally lasting two days, it now lasts for three.
And where once the shamrock was a sign of Irish rebellion against the English, it is now a sign of unity. With the rose, the thistle and the leek of England, Scotland and Wales, the shamrock is now a vital part of the United Kingdom emblem. On Saint Patrick's Day, a member of the British royal family presents shamrock to the Irish Guards regiment of the British Army.
The symbolism and history of the shamrock is laden with intrigue, liberally splashed with the colours of legends. But the greatest question still remains unanswered. Is it real or is it just the magic of well-known legend?
BIBLIOGRAPHY Saint Patrick's Day on history.com http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Mini site_Generic&content_type_id=854&display_order=2&sub_display_order=4&mini_id=1082 History and legends of the Shamrock http://www.tippitiwitchet.co.uk/shamrock.html History of the Shamrock http://www.theholidayspot.com/patrick/shamrock.htm History of the Shamrock http://www.finegardening.com/pages/g00104.asp The Shamrock http://www.geocities.com/enchantedforest/cottage/259 5/shamrock.html Shamrock Tattoo Meaning http://www.tattoosymbol.com/articles/shamrock.html