Shamrock

The Shamrock plant is Ireland's national symbol, derivative of the Irish seamróg, meaning “young clover.” Traditionally worn by the Irish and the Irish-for-a Day on St. Patrick’s Day, its origins date far back to Saint Patrick himself. St. Patrick used the shamrock as a way to teach the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity—that God was composed of three entities: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, however each encompassed the others and come together in one meaning, just as the leaves on a shamrock converge with a single stem.

Typically consisting of 3 leaves, it is a rare occurrence when one discovers a 4-leaf clover. Universally accepted as a symbol of good luck, the four leaf clover remains an extraordinary discovery that will yield good fortune for the remainder of the finder’s existence. For this reason, the four leaf clover is a symbol for luck and happiness in Ireland and its meaning is globally known around the world.

Learn more about the folklore of Ireland on your next Irish vacation with Celtic Tours. Visit our website for some Celtic Vacation Inspiration!