Show PLANT LONG HELD SACRED clover of which the shamrock Is a species was much thought of by the ancient greeks it Is difficult to say what was the original shamrock trefoil or cicro trinity the leaf now recognized as the national emblem Is that of the white clover but the name shamrock Is generic and Is applied also to the purple clover the speedwell the pimpernel and to the wood sorrel the clover of two or tour leaves was held sacred in the festivals of the greeks the one of four leaves when carried about Is supposed to insero success at play and confer the power of detecting evil spirits the lover may put it under his pillow and he will dream of his beloved or the maiden may slip it into her sweethearts shoe without his knowledge and it will insure his safe return from any journey it may be employed to prevent the weir ers being drawn into military service Is said to be a cure for lunacy and Is still among the irish regarded as magical even sacred snakes dislike it exceedingly and will not remain where it Is growing sotie say the four leaf shamrock 13 the of luck and others that it Is the alve leaved one that holds the magic touch this latter Is rare and prized and Is slid to grow from a decaying body as the nettle Is said to spring from buried human remains the shamrock of luck must be found without searching without seeking when thus discovered it should be cherished and preserved as an invincible talisman |