The shamrock is best known as being a symbol of luck. It is also thought to be the unofficial symbol of Ireland. The shamrock tattoo is popular among both men and women.
Size
The shamrock is usually tattooed on a small scale. It is commonly found on feet, wrists, forearms, and ankles.
Color
The shamrock is usually tattooed using green or black ink. Although any color can be used when getting a shamrock. Some people opt to have just a black tattoo, which is nice because black does not look bad after it has been aged. Sometimes colored tattoos need to be touched up in ten years, while black tattoos are easier to maintain.
There are several different types of clover.
The Four Leaf Clover
This type of clover is probably the most well known. Clovers that have four leaves are considered to be the luckiest type of clover, and are very rare. Remember being a kid and looking for the four leaf clover in a field of grass? You would probably only find one if you were lucky enough. These clovers are very rare and that is why they are considered to be luckiest of them all.
Three Leaf Clovers
The three leaf shamrock is considered to be the original shamrock of Ireland. It is sometimes referred to as the white clover. The three leaves have a special meaning in Irish history. They are thought to represent the trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Celtic Shamrock
The Celtic shamrock is designed using Celtic Knot formation. The curves of the Celtic Knot designs work well with the curves of the shamrock, and result in a very attractive creation. They are usually larger then the other types of clover.
Combination
Shamrock tattoos are often combined with other elements such as leprechauns and pots of gold. Placing these items together is believed to be even better luck. They are also commonly paired with the Irish flag, and letters.
Shamrock tattoos are also popular with fans of Notre Dame University, “the fighting Irish”. These fans proudly display their support and pride for the school.
History
The fascination with shamrocks goes back for generations in Ireland. In fact, Ireland is sometimes referred to as the Emerald Isle, because of is rolling country sides that are covered in clover. There are thousands of types of clover. In Ireland it is believed that adding clover to a bridal bouquet and in the boutonnière of the groom leads to marital luck. Another interesting fact about the shamrock is that the leaves on a shamrock are believed to stand up when storms are approaching. This has lead many people to believe that the shamrock has mystical powers.
Getting a shamrock tattoo allows you to take your lucky charm with you wherever you go. Whether you are of Irish descent, a fan of Notre Dame, or just someone who always likes to have a little extra luck, getting a shamrock tattoo can be a great way to express your individuality.