The Symbol of the Shamrock

The word Shamrock comes from the old Irish word "seamrog" which means "summer plant."

When St. Patrick came to Ireland he used the Shamrock to symbolize the meaning of the church's teaching on the Trinity. Legends say the leaves will stand upright when a storm approaches and that no snake will be found among them.

In ancient Ireland the Shamrock was thought to have magical powers and the number 3 was considered a powerful number. Three may have signified totality: past, present and future or behind, before and here or sky, earth and underworld. Everything good in Ireland comes in threes. The rhythm of story telling in the Irish tradition is based on threefold repetition. This achieves both intensification and exaggeration. Even today in quality pub talk, a raconteur can rarely resist a third adjective, especially if it means stretching a point.

"Three accomplishments well regarded in Ireland: a clever verse, music on the harp, the art of shaving faces."

The Shamrock is used in the logos of the Irish Tourist Board and Aer Lingus. The use of the Shamrock is restricted to use by the Irish State or its licensees by its registration with the World Intellectual Property Organization as a symbol of Ireland. "If Ireland was to pursue this and file suit against everyone that uses the likeness of the shamrock or charge a fee for its use I would image Ireland would be one of the wealthiest nations in the world!"