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MYSTICAL ROOTS ~ The History of the Shamrock

~ My 'mystical' shamrocks
_____________


Shamrocks have been symbolic of many things over the years. According to legend, the shamrock was a sacred plant to the Druids of Ireland because its leaves formed a triad, and three was a mystical number in the Celtic religion, as in many others. St. Patrick used the shamrock in the 5th century to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity as he introduced Christianity to Ireland."

The shamrock became symbolic in other ways as time went on. In the 19th century it became a symbol of rebellion, and anyone wearing it risked death by hanging. It was this period that spawned the phrase "the wearin' o' the green". Today, the shamrock is the most recognized symbol of the Irish, especially on St. Patrick's Day, when all over the world, everyone is Irish for a day!The original Irish shamrock (traditionally spelled seamróg, which means "summer plant") is said by many authorities to be none other than white clover (Trifolium repens), a common lawn weed originally native to Ireland. It is a vigorous, rhizomatous, stem-rooting perennial with trifoliate leaves. Occasionally, a fourth leaflet will appear, making a "four-leaf clover," said to bring good luck to the person who discovers it.
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Katarina said…
That was interesting - I learned a lot!
/Katarina (Roses and stuff)
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Catherine said…
Beautiful Shamrock mosaic collage Joey! Love how colorful it is! Wonderful history on the shamrock also!
It's a gorgeous sunny day here in the high 50's & I cansee more & more splashes of green & yellow all around..that and You're beautiful post has made this an extra lovely day! :D ~Wishing you the same!! I look forward to seeing Spring in you're beautiful Garden!
Happy Sunday!
Hug's,
Cat
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Unknown said…
It's always fascinating how one species of a plant can be so beloved, and another so ranted at for being weedy, isn't it? I love the mosaic of picks, Joey, a nice fresh burst of spring!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
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