I'm a little confused ( dot com), not only does it seem that the Americans celebrate St. Patrick's Day more than anyone else (possibly even the Irish), but there is also some confusion about the 'Shamrock'. The Shamrock, is the traditional emblem of Ireland, after much debate it is thought most likely to be a representation of the White Clover, in fact the word 'shamrock' is from the Gaelic word 'seamrog', meaning "little clover". A clover is the commonly used name for any number of plants belonging to the genus Trifolium, which means 'having three leaves'. The shamrock has only three leaves.
Whilst in Ireland (St. Patrick was not Irish by the way), St. Patrick's goal was to convert the Irish into Christians, he used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, with each leaf representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The traditional emblem (Shamrock) is not a four-leafed clover, which is a mutation (and therefore hard to find, so people think you are lucky if you have found one).
So where does the Irish luck come from? That is the fourth leaf people tend to add to the Shamrock, the fourth leaf represents 'luck'. The traditional Irish symbol of the Shamrock does not include this 'lucky' fourth leaf. So whilst deciding to enter 'CELEBRATE THE OCCASION', ch #102 - 'Luck of the Irish', and the 'BITTEN BY THE BUG 2' 'So Lucky Shamrock Challenge'... do I go 'Traditional' (three leaves)? Or do I go 'Lucky' (four leaves)? Decisions, decisions, decisions....
Tradition and botany won!
I've been very good, again, by using up different papers in my scrap pile mountain, the shamrock is cut using my Cricut Expression and the 'PAPER DOLL DRESS UP' cartridge (p.40) (accessories 3 + shift - feature buttons) <lptchn> at 2 3/4" (x1) and 3" (x2). The brown patterned paper has been punched using 'X Cut border punch sparkler', then faux stitched. The 'good luck' stamp I fished out from the bottom of a box, which was under a mound of cardstock!
Have a good day y'all...
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ReplyDeleteI need to write this again. Whether you use 3 leaves or 4 it's a terrific card. Thanks for joining us at BBTB2. Stephanie
ReplyDeleteStephanie... you are SO on the ball, I've only just posted this and you've left a comment already. I am SO impressed with you (LOL). Thanks for the comments (deleted or not) they are much appreciated. And by the way, I thought your 'dream catcher' was inspired, my niece has nightmares so I might try something similar. Take care :-)
ReplyDeleteWonderful botany lesson! I think we Americans celebrate St. Patrick's Day because we had so many Irish immigrants during the potato famine and they brought the tradition with them. And because we are such a melting pot, so many of us are at least a touch Irish. All of that being said, your three leaf clover card is very cute - I like the print clovers best of all. Thanks for joining us at BBTB2.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Your lesson is correct Karen! And whether we use a three leaf or four leaf clover you card is super cute! I personally love the three leaf clover or shamrock because I was never "lucky" enough to find the four leaf ones. lol Fabulous papers, love the punched border and your "good luck" is perfect in the middle of each clover! Thanks for joining us at BBTB2 ;-)
ReplyDeleteWonderful card!! Thank you so much for the botany lesson. I love the colors you cut your shamrocks from. Thank you so very much for joining our 'So Lucky Shamrock' challenge at BBTB2!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed hearing the history of the shamrock! Your shamrock card is so pretty. Thanks for sharing at bbtb2.
ReplyDeleteCaroline
super card and great lesson on the shamrock :) thanks for sharing both with us at bbtb2 :)
ReplyDeleteDarling clover card!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at CTO this week!!!!
And 3 one! Really cute card, love the DP's that you used to create this sweet one. Thanks for joining us this week @ CTO for our "Luck of the Irish" challenge :)
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