Article
There is a well known belief that finding a four leaf clover brings luck. The four leaf clover is an uncommon variation of the common, three leaf clover, and according to tradition such leaves bring good luck to their finders; especially if found accidentally. Each leaf of a clover has a symbolic meaning; one for hope, one for faith, one for love, and a fourth for luck.
The three leaf ‘white clover’ plant is a deep green flowering vine with white blossoms. It is the original ‘shamrock’ plant of Ireland
In the Middle Ages, four leaf clovers were thought to allow the bearer to see fairies and plant sprites, which was why children often searched for them in order to see into the magical realm of the spirit world.
It has been estimated that there are approximately 10,000 three leaf clovers for every naturally producing four leaf clover; however this probability has not deterred collectors who have reached records as high as 160,000 four leaf clovers.
Four leaf clovers are found in their natural environments, naturally mutating from three leaf clovers, with their fourth leaf being smaller than the other three leaves. However, when the market as ‘lucky charms’ became obvious, companies began manufacturing four leaf clovers by feeding the three leaf clover a generically engineered ingredient and producing as many as 10,000 a day.
If the manufacturing continues, it seems that our children may consider a five leaf clover to be even luckier than a four leaf clover. However, if you feel ‘unlucky’, from not having had the thrill of finding a four leaf clover, perhaps you can find comfort in the knowledge that the easily found three leaf clover freely offers the most important symbolic meanings of – hope, faith and love!
© Copyright J M Lennox . All Rights Reserved.
Faith, hope and love -- just what we need to get on with life. Interesting article, Janette!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gen! It's always lovely to see you. I appreciate your visits and comments very much. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis Day has been a blessing. Today I found 12 four leaf clovers and 3 five leaf clovers. I gave them to the kids that ride the bus with my son and to our roommates! I think they were put there to be found today! I was researching the meaning of the five leaf article and yours is the only one to post faith hope and love however wiki also includes five leafs are for money. Thanks for the incite!! Della
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome Della. :-) I also believe they were meant to be found. It was wonderful to read your comment - thanks. :-)
ReplyDelete