Shamrock

The shamrock, an unofficial symbol of Ireland, is a three-leaved young white clover, sometimes Trifolium repens (white clover, known in Irish as seamair bhán) but more usually today Trifolium dubium (lesser clover, Irish: seamair bhuí). The shamrock was traditionally used for its medical properties and was a popular motif in Victorian times

Shamrock Wreath
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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 - 'three divine persons in the one God'

The Shamrock is also used as a badge for sports teams, state organisations and troops abroad from Ireland - Aer Lingus, IDA Ireland, University College Dublin, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Fáilte Ireland use is as part of their identity. It is registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization as a symbol of Ireland.

The shamrock 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.

Shamrocks come into their own as decorations on St Patrick's Day - the celebration dedicated to St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

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