Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Badge of Ireland

My theme for this months ATC swap is Shamrock. I got to thinking about what true difinition of a Shamrock is . I was thinking 4 leaf clover but it is a clover with three leaves. Thought I would share this information about a Shamrock with all of my friends. I am Irish and I should have known . We learn something everyday don't we?

The shamrock () is a symbol of Ireland. It is a three-leafed old white clover. The nameshamrock is derived from Irish seamróg, which is the diminutive version of the Irish word for clover(seamair).

It is sometimes of the variety Trifolium repens (white clover, Irish: seamair bhán) but today usuallyTrifolium dubium (lesser clover, Irish: seamair bhuí). However, other three-leafed plants—such asMedicago lupulina, Trifolium pratense, and Oxalis—are sometimes designated as shamrocks. The shamrock was traditionally used for its medical properties and was a popular motif in Victorian times.


History

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. However, the posthumous timing of this legend (coming some 1,200 years after his death), and the lack of supporting evidence found in St. Patrick's writings have caused some to question its authenticity.

2 comments:

Sueann said...

Top of the mornin' to ya!!
Thanks for the info on the shamrock...!!
Love the photo!
Hugs
SueAnn

Mya said...

Shamrocks have a very dainty white flower - but I do not remember if they have an aroma. I believe the expression "wearing of the green" is from people pinning the a shamrock on their clothes.
Do you have many St. Patrick's Day parades and parties in your area?
Here in Georgia we have a few cities that have parades, our biggest one is in Savannah.
Very intersesting post.