5 Fun Shamrock Facts for the Curiosos
Posted in Uncategorized on November 15, 2021.
While the national color of Ireland is unofficially green, you’d be surprised to learn that blue was the OG national color (a story for another day). When a non-Irish person hears the name ‘Ireland’, they probably think in greens: the national flag, leprechauns, and—of course—shamrocks.
Today’s blog explores the fun facts you may not have known about the shamrock.
1. Shamrock is Not the Four-Leaf Clover
The word ‘shamrock’ comes from Gaelic and literally translates to ‘little clover’. While this means it applies to all sorts of clovers, four-leaf or otherwise, you’ll find that it’s more commonly associated with the three-leaf stem.
You see, the four-leaf (and five-leaf!) clover is only a rare mutation of the white clover plant, which normally bears three-leaf stems, aka shamrocks.
2. A Shamrock Display was Punishable by Death
Although the show Derry Girls has given us a rather organic look into the Irish revolutionary period, one would have to have lived in the pre-partition Ireland of the 19th century to learn how something, as seemingly innocent as a three-leaf clover, could become a political tool.
During the reign of Queen Victoria, the shamrock became an important symbol of national pride for the Irish people. Even though she outlawed shamrock displays on military uniforms, making them punishable by death, those brave enough to wear the stem played a key role in the movement.
3. The Shamrock is Not an Official Symbol of Ireland
Ireland might have strong ties with the shamrock—it may even be the unofficial symbol of Ireland—but it hasn’t replaced the left-facing Irish harp as an official symbol.
It is, however, the national plant of our land and worn by everyone in the annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
4. Shamrock was Important to Ancient Irish Druids
It was the Druids who first recognized the three-leaf clover as a tool against evil spirits. They were particularly charmed by the three leaves that formed a triad, which was considered a holy sign for:
- The Maiden
- The Mother
- The Crone
The above represents the Pagan belief that the land and water are iterations of a goddess who embraces all three of these qualities.
5. The St. Patrick Story is Deeply Intertwined with Shamrock
Shamrock may not be exclusive to Ireland, but the tales associated with the plant are purely Irish. It’s paraded all over the country on St. Patrick’s Day to represent the deep connection between the two.
Saint Patrick was the bishop responsible for spreading, if not bringing, Christianity to Ireland. It is believed that he used the shamrock to explain Holy Trinity to the Irish pagans. Where they believed it encompassed The Maiden, The Mother, and the Crone, St. Patrick claimed it represented the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Feel the Irish Spirit with Traditional Irish Shamrock Jewelry
We might be an Irish Jeweler based in Dublin, but our jewelry has made waves all over the world. So, what if you live in the States? Visit our online store to browse a wide range of shamrock jewelry that includes pendants and earrings.
You can also buy Claddagh rings, Celtic rings, and other Irish rings for engagements, weddings, and anniversaries at our ring store, take a look at a massive collection of Irish Celtic jewelry or purchase personalized ogham jewelry completely online.
Get in touch with our Irish jewelry designer to share your concerns and comments.