4 Leaf Clovers
Some Interesting Facts about 4 Leaf Clovers
4 leaf clovers are hard to find because they are mutations of the three leaf clover plant. There is no such thing as a 4 leaf clover plant. Both three leaf and four leaf clovers are produced by the white clover plant, Trifolium repens, which is green with white flowers. In Ireland, the three leaf clover is the original shamrock and the national symbol of Ireland.
4 leaf clovers are very hard to find and this rare quality lends itself to their appeal. Only one four leaf clover is produced for every ten thousand three leaf clovers. There is much folklore as well as Christian symbolism associated with the white clover plant. When someone sees a 4 leaf clover, the first thought that comes to mind is that it will bring good luck. This meaning can be traced back to the Middle ages. Both Celts and druids considered a four leaf clover to be a representation of good luck.
The word shamrock is from the Irish language and means “little clover.” Ever since the 1700s there has been a tradition that one wears a shamrock on St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick is said to have used a three leaf clover as an analogy for the Holy Trinity in Christianity. The three leaves represent God the Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. Many people believe the fourth leaf, if present, symbolizes God’s grace. Outside of Christian symbolism, the four leaves on 4 leaf clovers mean faith, hope, love, and good luck.
While several plants, such as the Pepperwort or Osalis, can have what look like 4 leaf clovers, good luck will only be yours if you find the 4 leaf clover of the Trifolium repens. One way to tell if yours is genuine is that the fourth clover leaf is smaller than the other three.
Sometimes the 4 leaf clover is associated with St. Patrick driving the snakes from Ireland. It is also said that when Adam and Eve left the garden of Eden, Eve was carrying a 4-leaf clover. The Celts are said to have believed the 4 leaf clover could drive away evil spirits. And, at Irish weddings, you can often find 4 leaf clovers in the bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonnière for good luck.
While many people consider white clover to lucky and are happy to see it growing everywhere, others consider white clover to be a weed and they seek to eradicate it from their lawns. White clover makes a good cover plant for those who like the looks of it. It also can be used for food if you are ever stranded and looking for a survival plant. White clover is high in protein, and can be eaten boiled or raw. The leaves and flowers are also dried for teas.
No matter what your feeling is about 4 leaf clovers, one thing is for sure--they are extremely hard to find and you are going to need exceptional eyesight to pick one out of a clover patch. Good luck!