Shamrock Facts and Folklore

• Not only is the shamrock a St. Patrick's Day icon, it is registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization as a trademark of the Government of Ireland. For the record, the official symbol of Ireland is the Irish harp and the shamrock is the national flower.

• Many believe that the word "shamrock" was derived from the Gaelic word for the clover, "seamróg." 

• Since the 1990s, the Irish Taoiseach, similar to the British Prime Minister, usually visits the White House on or around St. Patrick's Day and presents a shamrock to the President of the United States. Another presentation is typically made to the Speaker of the House.

• Apparently, the shamrock was used for medicinal purposes in Victorian times, although its exact application and remedies are unclear. Contemporary herbalists have been known to use Red Clover as a treatment for coughs, skin problems, and relief of menopausal symptoms. 

• While many confuse the shamrock, a 3-leaf clover, with the lucky 4-leaf clover, both can be used to "get lucky" on St. Patrick's Day. Ancient Celtics believed the number 3 to be both sacred and magical in that the 3 heart-shaped leaves on the shamrock were associated with the Triple Mothers of Celtic mythology, also known as the "Three Morgans."

And then there are the sayings, "great things come in threes," or "third time's a charm," to further the power of 3 and back up the shamrock as a symbol for luck.

For more fascinating facts and holiday trivia, visit Shamrock.org!