Four Leaf Clover
Photo © Stephanie Berghaeuser at SXC
According to legend, St. Patrick used a shamrock to teach people in Ireland about the Holy Trinity. Shamrocks have been associated with St. Patrick’s Day for several centuries when people began wearing them in celebration of the holiday. Appropriately, shamrocks are green which is the color most associated with Ireland, the Emerald Isle.
According to Wikipedia, the name shamrock comes from the Irish word for clover, seamróg. Shamrock can refer to a number of species of clover and a few other types of plants that resemble clover. In a sense, the word shamrock is a generic term for many types of clover. Wikipedia goes on to say that a few species of clover are represented more often than others when displaying or discussing shamrocks. These species include Trifolium repens and Trifolium dubium 1. Trifolium is the genus of all clover.
Four-leafed clovers are a unique genetic mutation of the typical three-leafed clover. They are extremely rare, which is why a person is considered to be lucky if they find one.
The shamrock has become an important symbol for St. Patrick’s Day and for Ireland as well. It is also a symbol that has become associated with many Irish related sports teams in different parts of the world, including the United States. The leprechaun of Notre Dame Fighting Irish sports a small green shamrock on his hat. The Boston Celtics leprechaun’s vest is covered with shamrocks.
1. Wikipedia contributors. "Shamrock." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 Jan. 2012. Web. 3 Feb. 2012.