Information about Shamrock

The shamrock, an unofficial symbol of Ireland, is a three-leafed old white clover, sometimes (rarely nowadays) Trifolium repens (white clover, known in Irish as seamair bhán) but more usually today Trifolium dubium (lesser clover, Irish: seamair bhuí). The diminutive version of the Irish word for "clover" ("seamair") is "seamaróg", which was anglicised as "shamrock", representing a close approximation of the original Gaelic pronunciation. However, other three-leafed plants — such as black medic (Medicago lupulina), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and Common wood sorrel (genus Oxalis) — 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, a holiday celebrated on March 17. Shamrocks are said to bring good luck.

Badge of Ireland

The shamrock is also used as a badge for sports teams, state organisations, and troops abroad from Ireland: The IRFU, Shamrock Rovers FC, Aer Lingus, IDA Ireland, University College Dublin, University of Notre Dame, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Fáilte Ireland use it as part of their identity. It is registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization as a symbol of Ireland. According to what the Oxford English Dictionary calls "a late tradition" (first recorded in 1726), the plant was used by Saint Patrick to illustrate the doctrine of the Trinity. It has subsequently become an emblem of Ireland, but has official status in neither Northern Ireland nor the Republic of Ireland; the official emblem of the Republic is the harp. The English word comes from Irish seamróg, meaning young clover.

The shamrock featured on the passport stamp of Montserrat, many of whose citizens are of Irish descent. It is also found on the arms and flag of the city of Montreal, Canada. In addition, the Shamrock is frequently used as a name and symbol for Irish pubs throughout the world, the symbol immediately appealing to those on the look out for an English-speaking establishment and warm welcome.

Flags

The flag of the city of Montreal, Canada has a shamrock in the lower right quadrant. The shamrock represents the Irish population, one of the four major ethnic groups that made up the population of the city in the 19th century when the arms were designed.

The coat of arms on the flag of the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Foundation is cradled in a wreath of shamrock.

The famous Erin Go Bragh flag uses an angelic Clàrsach, or Celtic Harp, cradled in a wreath of clover. A very symbolic flag of Irish nationalism, it is often seen on St. Patrick's Day, usually displayed during the parades.

Boat Names

• Shamrock V was a J Class sloop. Shamrock V was built in 1930 for Sir Thomas Lipton's fifth and last America's Cup challenge. Designed by Nicholson, she was the first British yacht to be built to the new J Class Rule and is the only remaining J to have been built in wood. After launch she was continually upgraded with changes to hull shape and rudder. The rig was also modified to create the most effective racing sail plan but she was no match for the faster US design "Enterprise". It underwent a major refit in 1967.
• Shamrock is also the name of a 1971 C&C 35 which has actively raced in the Detroit, Michigan region since 1976. Hull number 37, sail no. 11166. Shamrock is a member of the C&C 35-1 Association of Detroit.

The Four-Leaf Clover

Many (especially those of non-Irish origin) confuse the four-leaf clover with the shamrock. While the four-leaf clover is a symbol of good luck, the three-leafed shamrock is mainly an Irish Catholic symbol of the Holy Trinity and has much greater significance.

References

• Nelson, E. Charles; Loughin, Bernard, Shamrock: Botany and History of an Irish Myth: A Biography of the Shamrock in History, Literature, Music and Art. Boethius Press. ISBN 0-86314-199-4. A detailed history, including discussion of the identity of Shamrock.

Trivia

• Shamrock is the ATC callsign of the Irish airline Aer Lingus
• Royal Irish Regiment soldiers wear a sprig of shamrock on St Patrick's Day as it is their emblem. Shamrock are exported to wherever the regiment is stationed throughout the world. Queen Victoria decreed over a hundred years ago that her soldiers, from both the north and the south of Ireland, would wear a sprig of shamrock in recognition of Irish soldiers who had fought bravely in the Boer War.

See Also

Four leaf clover

External links

• The Shamrock : A Further attempt to fix its species, by Nathaniel Colgan, published in the Irish Naturalist 1893
• The truth behind the shamrock, from the BBC
• Shamrocks and 4-Leaf Clovers
• www.decodeunicode.org/en/u+2618 Shamrock as a symbol in Unicode