The shamrock, a symbol of Ireland and a registered trademark of the Republic of Ireland,[1] 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 Irish 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. Shamrocks are said to bring good luck.
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 christian symbol of the Holy Trinity and has much greater significance.
The four-leaf clover is an uncommon variation of the common three-leaf clover. According to superstition, such leaves bring good luck to their finders, especially if found accidentally.[1]
Clovers can have more than four leaflets. The most leaflets ever recorded is eighteen.[2] It has been estimated that there are approximately 10,000 three-leaf clovers for every four-leaf clover. [3]
According to legend, each leaflet represents something: the first is for hope, the second is for faith, the third is for love, and the fourth is for happiness.[3]If a lady hangs a 4 leaf clover on her door, the next man to come in is her husband.
It is debated whether the fourth leaflet is caused genetically or environmentally. Its rarity suggests a possible recessive gene appearing at a low frequency. Alternatively, four-leaf clovers could be caused by somatic mutation or a developmental error of environmental causes. They could also be caused by the interaction of several genes that happen to segregate in the individual plant. It is possible all four explanations could apply to individual cases.
Clovers can have more than four leaflets. The most leaflets ever recorded is eighteen.[2] It has been estimated that there are approximately 10,000 three-leaf clovers for every four-leaf clover. [3]
According to legend, each leaflet represents something: the first is for hope, the second is for faith, the third is for love, and the fourth is for happiness.[3]If a lady hangs a 4 leaf clover on her door, the next man to come in is her husband.
It is debated whether the fourth leaflet is caused genetically or environmentally. Its rarity suggests a possible recessive gene appearing at a low frequency. Alternatively, four-leaf clovers could be caused by somatic mutation or a developmental error of environmental causes. They could also be caused by the interaction of several genes that happen to segregate in the individual plant. It is possible all four explanations could apply to individual cases.
0 Add your Two Cents:
Post a Comment