The Symbolism of the Shamrock
Close your eyes, and think about shamrocks. What images are conjured? Are they of lush, green fields and pastures of Ireland? Do the images take the form of the mysterious wee folk known as leprechauns and their coveted pot of gold? Do you see the present day celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day? Or, do you see the older meanings with religions that has been an integral part of Ireland’s history?In the current society of religious Ireland, the shamrock represents not only the Christian cross, but also the Holy Trinity. It is attributed to Saint Patrick to referring to the shamrock to explain the holy trinity to the Druids. According to one source, the Emerald Streams, “he plucked one right out of the ground he was standing upon. Then he held it up high so everyone could see, and proclaimed, ‘Do you not see how in this wildflower three leaves are united on one stalk, and will you then believe that there are indeed three persons and yet one God?’”
This was due in part to the Nicene Counsel, which was established to convert and sway the “hethens” and pagans in the time era to the Christian faith.
However, the Christians were not the only faith in Ireland that held a significance for the shamrock, the Druids themselves did as well. The Druids view the number three to hold, for lack of a better term, “magickal” properties or undertones. This ancient faith has the “Triple Goddess”, which are maidens, mother, and crones, the “Triple Moon”, a symbol for the before mentioned.
The Druids also used the shamrocks, which is also known as clovers, for medicinal purposes. As per the book A Druid’s Herbal For The Sacred Year, these purposes included helping with coughs, fevers, arthritis, and some forms of pain. For the “magickal” uses, it could be used as a protective charm, attracting a lover, and treasure, among other things.
Also in accordance with this reference, these were one of the plants of Beltaine, or the “May Eve” These plants were associated with passion, and love, and in the Druid’s custom, many got married at this time.
There is also a druidic bard, or poem, whose origins are unknown, that further shows the symbolism the shamrock holds.
“Chosen leaf
Of Bard and Chief,
Old Erin’s native Shamrock!
Says Valour, ‘See
They spring for me,
Those leafy gems of morning!’
Says Love, ‘No, no,
For me they grow,
My fragrant path adorning!’
But Wit perceives
The triple leaves,
And cries,–’O do not sever
A type that blends
Three godlike friends,
Love, Valour, Wit, for ever!
O! the Shamrock, the green, immortal Shamrock!”
The shamrock, such a simple plant at first sight, holds meaning more deep and complex than the eye could ever conceive. The next time you gaze upon the shamrock, remember, just as you can’t judge a book by its cover, don’t judge this plant by its miniature size. It is rich in history, meaning, and symbolism.