The four leaf clover is constantly used as a symbol of St. Patrick's Day and Ireland in general, rather than the actual Irish national symbol of the shamrock.

The word shamrock comes from the Irish word seamrog, which means "little clover." Children in the Middle Ages believed they would be able to see fairies if they carried a four-leaf clover.

The shamrock carries religious ties, while the four-leaf clover is considered a sign of luck due to its exceeding rarity. In fact, around one out of 10,000 clovers have four leaves.

The English word 'shamrock' is believed to be a corruption of the two Irish words 'seamair' and 'óg'. 'Seamair' is the Irish for clover and as everybody knows 'óg' means young. So, as Gaeilge ...

On March 16, there’s a maple leaf—on ode to Canada’s syrup-bearing tree—and a four-leaf clover (instead of a shamrock) for March 17. Sure, four-leaf clovers are generally considered lucky.

Four-leaf clovers are associated with good luck because they are so hard to find. And while four-leaf clovers belong in your box of Lucky Charms cereal, they’re not at the heart of Irish culture.

DETROIT (WWJ) - A local flower shop is clearing up a misconception many people may have about Ireland's national flower: A four leaf clover is not a shamrock. Wesley Berry Flowers in Commerce ...