Shamrock

A shamrock with 3 leaves.

Shamrocks are the young sprigs of clover or trefoil. The shamrock is a symbol of Ireland. According to a legend, Saint Patrick used it to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. The name shamrock is derived from Irish seamróg. This is the diminutive version of the Irish word for clover (seamair) meaning simply "little clover" or "young clover".^[1] Sometimes other three-leafed plants are called shamrocks. The shamrock can be used for its medicinal properties. It was used as a motif in Victorian days. Around March 17 (Saint Patrick's Day) small pots of shamrocks are sold. Some people wear sprigs of shamrock in a buttonhole on the holiday.

Shamrock Media

Icon of shamrock
Trifolium dubium. Worowo near Lobez, NW Poland
This flowering Shamrock was purchased at a grocery store. It is a South American species of wood sorrel Oxalis regnellii.
The Leaf of a trifolium repens plant after a shower. Some of the drops of water have a strange optical effect making them look like they are floating.
MedicagoLupulina
St. Patrick depicted with shamrock in detail of stained glass window in St. Benin's Church, Kilbennan, Co. Galway, Ireland
Shamrock on an Irish Defence Forces UN beret being worn on Saint Patrick's Day
Drawing of the medal awarded to the First Magherafelt Volunteers for skill with broadsword, showing shamrocks
British two-shilling coin (1949)

References

↑ Nelson, E. Charles, Shamrock: Botany and History of an Irish Myth, Boethius Press, 1991, isbn 0-86314-199-4, p. 14

[1] Nelson, E. Charles, Shamrock: Botany and History of an Irish Myth, Boethius Press, 1991, isbn 0-86314-199-4, p. 14

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