Lucky talisman, four-leaf clover

Four Leaf Clover
Several centuries ago, the Irish four-leaf clover became a symbol of happiness and good fortune. Its petals are believed to represent faith, hope, love and success.

Celtic priests believed that wearing trefoil helped when evil spirits approached and gave time to escape them. The four-leaf clover had even greater magical power. It was a powerful talisman for good luck, able to drive away misfortune and bestow good luck. The first mention in literature of the miraculous properties of 4-leaf clover belongs to the pen of John Malton, a writer of the early 17th century.

Interesting facts about 4-leaf clover:

There are approximately 10,000 trefoils for every “lucky” four-leaf clover, so finding this rare plant is a huge fluke; the Guinness Book of World Records has included 10-year-old Cathy Brockoy of Spotsylvania, who found 166 four-leaf clovers in one hour;

an ointment made from four-leaf clovers, or an amulet containing the flower along with seven grains of wheat, helps one gain the gift of clairvoyance;

Ireland has more four-leaf clovers than any other country in the world, so this talisman is often called “Irish luck”;

It is believed that two people who chew four-leaf clover together are bound to fall in love with each other;

The fourth leaf of a “lucky” clover may be smaller or have a different shade of green than the other three leaves.

Clover enjoys a good reputation not only in Ireland but also in Wales. Native people revere this flower for its ability to ward off evil spirits and ward off attacks of madness. Clover also represents beauty: in the legend of King Arthur, Princess Olwen always left a trail of white clover behind her wherever she went.