A Day for Clovers & Fairies + a Playlist
Words by: Maggie Laubscher | Music by: Abby Yemm
There’s a certain kind of tree in Ireland that farmers are afraid to cut down. Some people believe holding a four-leaf clover lets you see fairies in the flesh. We dive into these beliefs and more on this day, sweet St. Patrick’s Day.
Today is a day to find lucky clovers and beware of fairies, after all. St. Patrick’s Day is officially symbolized with the three-leafed clover, or shamrock. Of course, where the shamrock goes the mythical four-leaf clover follows. As does the Leprechaun, or fairy. So let’s explore...
FOUR LEAVES OF LUCK
For every 10,000 three-leaf clovers, there is typically a single four-leaf clover. This rarity makes them lucky, some believe. As far back as the 1600s, four-leaf clovers were known for their luck. John Melton said in 1620, ‘If a man walking in the fields finds any four-leaved grass, he shall in a small while after find some good thing.’
The four leaves are thought to represent faith, hope, love, and luck. It’s also said that Eve carried a four leaf clover from the Garden of Eden. In the Middle Ages, the four-leaf clover was believed to grant one the ability to see fairies. Four-leaf clovers were Celtic charms, presumed to offer magical protection and ward off bad luck.
The myths are varied and deep. But when we went searching, it seems more likely that the four-leaf clover’s rarity comes from a simple genetic mutation. Which is so disappointing! But also, there is also room for magic and imagination.
The Shamrock
And then there is the shamrock. The shamrock leans more solemn in meaning than the four-leaf clover. Most believe that St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, used the shamrock as a trinket-like visual aid in explaining the Holy Trinity of Christianity: one leaf for the Father, one leaf for the Son, and one leaf for the Holy Spirit. Simple, easy, and a visual found everywhere. On a more mythical level, the Druids (Celtic priests) believed carrying a three-leaf clover would let them see evil spirits coming and have a chance to escape in time.
ON FAIRIES
Unlike clovers, much of the folklore around fairies revolves around protection from their malice. The fairies of Ireland are unseen and powerful. They are darker and more brooding than the fairies in much of pop culture -- less Tinkerbell, more Edgar Allan Poe vibes. Called many names -- Sidhe, Shee, Fey, fairy folk -- there are also different types of fairies. The leprechaun fairy, for example, is always male, always grumpy, and always solo.
People feared offending fairies who would then cast evil spells or curses on a whim. Fairy paths were avoided and digging in fairy hills was forbidden. Some homes even had corners removed for fear of blocking the fairy path.
THE POWER OF FAIRY TREES
When traveling through Ireland, you’ll often see a perfectly cultivated field and in the middle, an untouched fairy tree. Usually a Hawthorn or Ash, the fairy tree is thought to be the sacred grounds of fairies. This type of tree stands alone and is usually found with large stones circling its base.
It’s unknown how these large stones came to be at the tree’s base. But what is known is the reason it stands: fear. Given the sacredness of the fairy tree, there are many superstitions that surround them. And so, many people avoid damaging or cutting down these fairy trees. In fact, one tale even says the DeLorean car manufacturer failed due to chopping down a fairy tree while building a manufacturing plant near Belfast.
Whatever the truth of St. Patrick’s Day lore, it has depth and intrigue. May the luck be with you today and all days, Nellies.
A Fresh Abby Yemm playlist for you…
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