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The Gaelic word "seamrog" means little clover. The word was anglicized as "shamrock." The shamrock has appeared in Celtic
artwork for centuries. The druids in Ireland considered the shamrock to be a sacred plant because the leaves form a triad. Three was a mystical number in ancient Celtic religion. St. Patrick used the shamrock in the 5th century to teach the Irish people about the Holy Trinity as he traveled around Ireland. The Irish even ate the shamrock during times of famine. The shamrock became a symbol of Irish rebellion against the English during the 19th century and anyone wearing a shamrock risked death by hanging.
The shamrock is the unofficial emblem of Ireland. The official emblem of Ireland is the harp. The shamrock is used as a badge by Irish sports teams, state organizations, troops, tourist board, Aer Lingus, Dublin University, Notre Dame University and many others as part of their identity and to indicate a connection to Ireland. The shamrock can be found on the flag of Montreal, Canada to represent the large Irish population of the city.
Four leaf clovers have been believed to be lucky for centuries. The druids in pagan times believed they were Celtic charms and
would protect against evil spirits. The modern belief is that they have the power to bestow good luck. There are 10,000 three
leaf clovers for every four leaf clover.
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