Luck of the Leaf

The four-leaf clover, more commonly known as a shamrock, has universally been accepted as a symbol of good luck. The first historical reference associated with this good luck charm seems to have appeared around the year 1620. The word "shamrock" is derived from the old Irish word, "seamrog," which literally translates to "little clover."

The three-leaf clover was more common in earlier days and was also considered to be a lucky charm because it embodied the symbol of the Holy Trinity-God the Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. The extra leaf of the four-leaf clover has been said to stand for God's grace. Irish legend also has it that Saint Patrick established the principle behind the Trinity using the shamrock plant and pointing out that the three leafs were united by a common stalk. Other legends assert that of the four leafs, the first leaf stands for hope, the second leaf for faith, the third leaf for love, and the last leaf for luck.

The superstition related with the shamrock is thought to begin with the Druids. These Celtic priests once dominated Ireland and much of Western Europe. They believed that the four-leaf clover aided them in seeing evil spirits, thus giving them the opportunity to protect themselves. The plant was also used as a repellant that was powerful in warding off negative energy and unwanted spirits that were thought to be harmful. In earlier days, the Celts of Wales valued the white clover as a lucky charm to protect them against evil spirits. It has been said that the bearer of the four-leaf clover could see fairies and plant sprites. This myth quickly became popular among children; they would search the fields of Ireland looking for four-leaf clovers so that they could see into the magical realm of the spirit world.

The shamrock plant is known as the unofficial symbol of Ireland. Breeders claim that only about one in ten thousand plants will naturally mutate to produce a four-leaf clover; and it is thought that the mutation is caused by environmental stresses. There are four different types of shamrock plants. These include the lesser trefoil, which makes up about forty six percent of all shamrocks, the white clover plant, which makes up about thirty five percent, the black medick, which makes up about seven percent, and the red clover, which makes up approximately four percent of all shamrock plants.

The belief still exists among several cultures that genuine four-leaf clovers, which are very rare, are an omen of good luck.