Shamrock
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- This article is about the three leaf clover; for other meanings of the term, see shamrock (disambiguation)
The shamrock, an unofficial symbol of Ireland and Boston, Massachusetts, is a three-leaved young white clover, sometimes (rarely nowadays) Trifolium repens (white clover, known in Irish as seamair bhán) but more usually today Trifolium dubium (lesser clover, Irish: seamair bhuí). However, other three leafed plants such as Black medick (Medicago lupulina), Red clover (Trifolium pratense) or Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) are sometimes designated as shamrocks. The shamrock was traditionally used for its medical properties and was a popular motif in Victorian times.
[edit] Badge of Ireland
The Shamrock is also used as a badge for sports teams, state organisations and troops abroad from Ireland - Aer Lingus, IDA Ireland, University College Dublin, University of Notre Dame, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Fáilte Ireland use it as part of their identity. It is registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization as a symbol of Ireland. According to what the Oxford English Dictionary calls "a late tradition" (first recorded in 1726), the plant was used by Saint Patrick to illustrate the doctrine of the Trinity. It has subsequently become an emblem of Ireland, but has official status in neither Northern Ireland nor the Republic of Ireland; the official emblem of the Republic is the harp. The English word comes from Irish seamróg, meaning young clover. The shamrock features on the passport stamp of Montserrat, many of whose citizens are of Irish descent. In addition, the Shamrock is frequently used as a name and symbol for Irish Pubs throughout the world: the symbol immediately appealing to those on the look out for an English speaking establishment and warm welcome - something Irish bars are associated with.
[edit] References
- Nelson, E. Charles; Loughin, Bernard, Shamrock: Botany and History of an Irish Myth: A Biography of the Shamrock in History, Literature, Music and Art. Boethius Press. ISBN 0-86314-199-4. A detailed history, including discussion of the identity of Shamrock.
