5 of 8

Write now Article Tools

If a four-leafed clover/shamrock brings you luck, what does an eighteen leafed shamrock bring you? The answer is a spot in the Guinness world record book. Shamrocks can have 5, 6 or more leaves, but the most famous shamrock is St. Patrick's three-leafed shamrock.

The shamrock is also called Seamroy. Seamroy means little, young clove and summer plant. The original shamrock of Ireland was the white clover, not green. The Druids of Ireland thought the shamrock resembled the Trinity Knot. The shamrock was a sacred plant in pre-Christian times. It was associated with the Triple Goddess. Irish folklore added to fame of the shamrock depicting it as a sign of good luck. Three leafed shamrocks grow readily in the hills of Ireland, but a four-leafed shamrock is scarce and considered very lucky.

The shamrock is commonly associated with the clover. If the saying to be in clover is used, it is a good thing. This means to be living a carefree life of ease, in comfort and prosperity. The shamrock is not the national symbol of Ireland. The harp is the national symbol.

The shamrock didn't become an emblem of Ireland until the 17th century. The Irish wore a cross designed by St. Patrick up until then. Irish regiments were banned from displaying a shamrock as part of their uniform. Volunteers of 1777 adopted the shamrock as their emblem. This act of rebellion in Victorian England gave the shamrock the necessary push to make it a national emblem.

The legend tells of St. Patrick having a difficult time trying to preach to Pagans. He was talking about the Trinity as three Gods coexisting as one single entity. He saw a three-leafed clover on the hill side. He asked the crowd to imagine the leaves representing the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. The long stem represented the single Godhead. This visual made sense to them and he converted hundreds to Christianity. After his death the converts wore a shamrock as a religious symbol on his Holy feast day.

The shamrock in its three leafed ring is closely tied to the Claddagh. The cladddagh symbolizes let love and friendship reign.' The claddagh is a crown tying love, friendship and loyalty together. The heart is in the hands of friendship cradling the

crown of fidelity. The heart is held in between two hands with a crown on top.

On St. Patrick's day after a shamrock has been worn in a hat or on a lapel it is removed and put into the last drink of the evening. A toast is proposed and then when the toast has been fulfilled, the shamrock is taken from the bottom of the glass and thrown over the left shoulder. Bring the luck of the Irish all year.

Learn more about this author, Diane Walsh.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Symbolism and history of the Shamrock?
We want to hear your view. Write now!