Four leaf clovers have long been a symbol of good luck–but why? They’re incredibly common, and yet, other good luck symbols, like horse shoes or rabbit’s feet are not so common. What makes four leaf clovers so special?
Typically, associated with Ireland’s rolling hills and legends of leprechauns, the four leaf clover is actually closely related with the shamrock, which is considered a charm against evil. The difference of course is that a shamrock is quite common and only has three leaves. The fourth leaf is actually caused by a genetic mutation. As a result, one leaf is often smaller than the other three. Although, in media imagery and today’s pop culture all four leaves are of equal size. But what do they mean?
Meaning of Each Clover
Symbolically, one leave is for hope, one for faith, one for love, and one for — you guessed it — luck. The reason these plants are associated with luck most of all is probably because of how rare they are. Many people have spent hours crawling through the grassy fields on sunny afternoons and still haven’t found one.
Common Designs
Because four leaf clover tattoos are so common, there is a vast array of designs available for them. From solid green and plain, to sporting complex shading and texture with adornments like Ireland’s flag, a crown, or a white dove.
Many four leaf clover tattoos are adorned with flowers surrounding the actual clover to add some color and dynamics to the tattoo. Others feature ribbons or sashes encircling the clover and giving the tattoo a grander, even regal appearance. And because four leaf clovers symbolize luck, it’s not at all uncommon to see the word ‘luck’ either above or below the clover in various styles of script.
Also, to emphasize the connection between four leaf clovers and Ireland, oftentimes Celtic symbolism is connected with clover, such as a Celtic cross, Celtic knot designs, or even the great tree of life from Celtic mythology.
Conclusion
Most people can remember the days when they searched their backyards for four leaf clovers. It’s not at all hard to understand why these tattoo designs are popular. And if it truly does bring good luck, it never hurts to have one.
What is the meaning of the above tattoo (number 2) on the girl’s ankle above? I really love the tattoo and had a friend draw one up for me so it will have 4 leaves. Someone told me that it means Arian Brotherhood? I was just wanting it for luck.
Please let me know. Thank you!
Jennifer
It definitely doesn’t represent the Arian Brotherhood. Whoever told you that is an idiot to put it bluntly. The tattoo is of a shamrock with a Celtic like design to it. Shamrocks essentially represent the rebellion of the Irish from the English. Originally the shamrock was a symbol of the church but now modernized it usually can represent the country of Ireland in itself.
A shamrock with an extra leaf (a four leaf clover) does symbolize luck, specifically that is the sole meaning of the fourth leaf.
Hope that helps
David
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Have a good day
i am getting that tattoo (number 2) with the fourth leaf,and getting 4 initials put inside thoughs leafs.. for the love ones whos passed away. my dilemma is that i dont know where to put it… any ideas?