Celtic Symbols: the Shamrock

Although my focus with the Celtic Symbols blog has been on more esoteric themes, the shamrock is probably the most obvious of Celtic, or Irish symbols. Shamrocks have a long history in Ireland. They are associated with good luck, St Patrick and leprechauns. In Irish, it is spelled seamrog (meaning “summer plant”).

At one time, the shamrock was a plant sacred to the druids. This is believed to be because the leaves form a triad, and this is very important in Celtic symbolism (see my post about the triskele, or triple spiral). St. Patrick was said to have used the shamrock as a way to symbolize the Trinity. Hence, the shamrock is a popular symbol for St. Patrick’s Day.

The plant most commonly associated with shamrocks is the white clover, but other plants with three leaves are sometimes called by this name as well. In the 19th Century, it became a symbol of rebellion against the English, and for a time is was forbidden to display it.