The Irish Shamrock
Its use in Celtic Tattooing
The shamrock is an unofficial symbol of both Ireland and Boston, MA. The Shamrock is also used as a badge for Celtic Football, Aer Lingus, University College Dublin, and Fáilte Ireland use it as part of their identity. It is registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization as a symbol of Ireland. The plant was said to have been used by Saint Patrick to illustrate the doctrine of the Trinity. It has subsequently become an emblem of Ireland, although has no official status in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland—the official emblem of the Republic is the harp. The English word comes from Irish seamróg, meaning young clover.
The four-leaf clover is often times mistaken for being a shamrock and the symbol for Ireland as well as being lucky. although rare, it is estimated that there are 10,000 three leafed clovers for every 1 four-leafed clover, it is not the Irish symbol many think, so be aware when considering a shamrock tattoo, make sure that your tattoo artist knows the tradition.
Celtic Tattoos
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