The Legend of the Four-Leaf CLover By: Kelly Khare and Eugene Schnell

What is a Four-Leaf Clover? The four-leaf clover is a variation of a three-leaf clover.(1) The four-leaf clover is formed through a somatic mutation, which is a developmental error caused by the surrounding environment(1) The greatest amount of leaves, so far, that a clover has had is 56. (1) The probability of finding a four-leaving clover is 1/10,000.

The History of the Four-Leaf Clover These clovers have been in use since the time of Ancient Egyptians.(2) The Ancient Egyptians used these clovers to bless the marriage of new couples.(2) In the Celtic Society, priests or druids have used these four-leaf clovers as talismans from evil spirits.(2) (3)

The Myth of the Four leaf Clover The four leaf clover is supposed to bring luck because it is so rare to find.(2) The first leaf of the clover represents faith The second leaf represents hope The third leaf represents love The fourth leaf represents luck (5)

Christian Myth of the Four leaf Clover In Christian mythology, the four-leaf clover dates back to Adam and Eve. (4) Eve took the four leaf clover from the garden of Eden, allowing her to see all invisible, evil forces.(4) The clover also gave Eve protection and blessings against evil.(4) The four leaf clover represents the holy trinity and God’s grace.(4) This relates to the myth of Saint Patrick and how he teaches the Pagan the holy trinity through the usage of the three leaf clover.(4)

Consequences of the Four- Leaf Clover The four-leaf clover is seen as the main symbol of luck in North America. This clover represents hope and chance, Also, it has become a symbol of people of the Irish group, since it originated in Ireland. The four leaf clover has become a Christian symbol, as a result of the Saint Patrick story and after the time of Christ.(2)

References http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-leaf_clover http://anguishedrepose.com/2010/08/19/the-myth-mysticism-and-superstitions-of-the-four-leaf-clover/ http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/2678724094_8e45145a55.jpg http://voices.yahoo.com/25-four-leaf-clovers-facts-may-not-know-6254310.html http://www.joe-ks.com/archives_apr2001/FourLeafClover.gif