A shamrock is a clover that has three leaves and a traditional symbol of Ireland. In a Catholic legend, St. Patrick used a shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.BBC: The Truth Behind the Shamrock (March 17, 2004)
The ancient Druids believed that the shamrock was a sacred plant because its leaves formed a triad and three was considered a mystical number.BBC: The Truth Behind the Shamrock (March 17, 2004) Finding a four leaf clover is considered an omen of good luck. Shamrocks and four leaf covers are popular symbols of St. Patrick's Day.Washingtonpost.com: A Little Irish Luck Goes a Long Way (March 17, 2005)
The Mahalo TOp 7
Wikipedia: Shamrock
Google Books: Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions
BBC: The Truth Behind the Shamrock (March 17, 2004)
FOXNews.com: Feds Seize Shamrock Seeds at Dulles Airport (March 16, 2009)
BBC News: Politicians Lead Annual Paddy's Exodus (March 16, 2009)
Royal Purple: The Meaning Behind the Shamrock (March 11, 2009)
Washingtonpost.com: A Little Irish Luck Goes a Long Way (March 17, 2005)
References
Fast Facts
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Traditional symbol of Ireland
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Is a variety of clover that has three leaves
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Often confused with four-leaf clovers
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Finding a four leaf clover is considered lucky
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Found on the Calgary city flag
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Is the logo for Ireland's Aer Lingus
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Notre Dame's Fighting Irish football team features a shamrock in their logo
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Grows in open fields
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Druids are believed to have considered the shamrock as a sacred plantBBC: The Truth Behind the Shamrock (March 17, 2004)
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St. Patrick was said to have used to three-leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy SpiritWashingtonpost.com: A Little Irish Luck Goes a Long Way (March 17, 2005)
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In the 19th century the shamrock was a symbol of rebellion against the EnglishBBC: The Truth Behind the Shamrock (March 17, 2004)
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Pins or buttons with an image of a shamrock are often worn on St.Patrick's day
