Page 93 - Designing Ways 283

TAIL OF
THE DOG

The Luck of the Irish

The Shamrock is the symbol of of luck in art, literature and popular Finding a four-leaf clover demands
Ireland. This is a three-leaf clover culture. It was like the Christian patience, and a good eye. Look for
symbolising Faith, Hope and Love. cross, representing the four gospels a thick patch of clovers (they grow in
of the Bible. The early Egyptians most of Johannesburg’s parks, in the
The four-leaf clover is different. It gave four-leaf clovers to brides to lawns), bend down and concentrate.
has the added symbol of Luck. You bless their marriage. Eve took a four- Often the fourth leaf is from another
can find four-leaf clovers in a normal leaf clover from Eden as a reminder plant, lurking with a three-leaf. My
clover patch, but rarely. There is of paradise, a link to a perfect past mother had a German friend who
only one four-leaf clover for every and love. It is a reminder to stay said “they just leap into your eyes”.
5000 shamrock leaves. Apparently, present, to look for blessings in Once you do find one, look in the
there are more four-leaf clovers in everyday life, to slow down and pay same place, and you may find others.
Ireland than anywhere else – hence attention, to be grateful for the small You could even find a five-leaf clover.
the saying “the luck of the Irish”. This and valuable things in life.
clover represents positive values and If you do find a four-leaf clover, and
aspirations, but is also imbued with a From a botanical point of view, clover give it to a friend, your luck will be
sense of magic and mystery. It gives is the perfect low maintenance lawn. doubled. There is a valuable saying:
protection from evil spirits, bad luck It improves the soil health without the “a good friend is like a four-leaf clover,
and negative energies. Obviously, it need for fertiliser, attracts beneficial hard to find and lucky to have.”
is the ultimate symbol of good luck. insects, keeps weeds at bay, is
drought tolerant, and does not need
Originally a religious and mythical mowing.
symbol, it became a secular emblem Gill Butler

Crystal

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