The shamrock, a symbol of Ireland and a registered trademark of the Republic of Ireland, is a three-leafed old white clover, sometimes of the variety Trifolium repens but today usually Trifolium dubium. The diminutive version of the Irish word for "clover" is "seamrog", which was anglicised as "shamrock", representing a close approximation of the original Irish pronunciation. However, other three-leafed plants — such as black medic, red clover, and Common wood sorrel — are sometimes designated as shamrocks. The shamrock was traditionally used for its medical properties and was a popular motif in Victorian times. It is also a common way to represent St. Patrick's Day. The shamrock is also informally used as a badge for sports teams, state organisations, and troops abroad from Ireland.
The three-leafed shamrock is mainly an Irish christian symbol of the Holy Trinity and has a different significance. |
