Leprechauns, rainbows, pots of gold, and shamrocks are all associated with St. Patrick’s day. And of course we wear green so as not to be pinched, but the shamrock... well, why do we care about shamrocks? Where did this idea of shamrocks come from? A little history will clue you in.

The shamrock, or the Trifolium Repens, was traditionally used for medical purposes and was a popular motif during Victorian times. It was used by St. Patrick to represent the Holy Trinity. This became an Irish tradition to represent the father, son, and Holy Spirit.

However, in the 19th century it was a symbol of rebellion. Anyone wearing the clover risked being hanged. Today it is a universal symbol of luck. The shamrock is usually placed in the bouquets of Irish brides and the boutonnieres of grooms.

The four leaf clover is a rare find; it is estimated that there are 10,000 three leaf clovers for every one four leaf clover.

The four leaf clover was used by the Celtic priests as a potent against malevolent spirits. Finding a clover that has a fourth leaf can represent God’s grace.

For the Druids the clover represents the four seasons, or earth, water, air, and fire. The leaves can also represent faith, love, hope, and luck. Carriers are said to have the power to see fairies, detect witches, and even recognize evil spirits. The unmarried often place a four leaf clover in their right shoe so as to find the one they will wed.