Shamrock Country

Every country has a symbol that its citizens cherish and love. Some countries chose eagles as their national symbol, others preferred land animals. Emblematic animals are usually the preference.

Ireland's most famous national symbol, however, is the shamrock. A shamrock is a three-leaf clover, not an animal. There are proofs, though, that as early as the 1500s, the shamrock has been very popular in Ireland. So, what exactly is a shamrock? It seems that Irish exerts are not in agreement as to what specie of clover a shamrock is. The only constant factor is that a shamrock is a three-leaf clover, but as for a really definite definition, the debates are still raging.

There is a story that goes that when St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, set foot in Ireland, he looked for a way to spread the word of God more effectively. He preached the concept of the Holy Trinity using the shamrock. He stated that the Holy Trinity is much like the three-leaf clover: the leaves appear to be independent of each, but upon closer inspection, they converge on a single stem. He thought it was a good idea since clovers are everywhere in Ireland. Now, St. Patrick is a holy man. When he used the shamrock in his teachings, inevitably, the shamrock rose in stature and acquired a certain level of holiness, too.

Given the popularity of the shamrock and the relevance that the Irish accord it, it's a surprise the shamrock didn't make it to the design of the Irish flag. Visit Ireland and see the beautiful shamrocks for yourself!