by: Wesley Berry
You probably recognize the shamrock as a symbol of St. Patrick's Day, so why not add a bit of that Irish luck to your St. Patrick's Day flowers? Believe it or not, many florists do keep a supply of shamrocks on hand to add to bouquets and arrangements ordered for St. Patrick's Day. Well, at least they carry something that passes for shamrocks... A closer look at the shamrock and the legends surrounding it reveals that finding the "true shamrock" requires more than just the luck brought by a four-leaf clover.
The origin of the word "shamrock" is in the Irish word seamrog, which means "little clover." While it's a lovely name, it's not particularly descriptive considering that there are numerous kinds of clovers and even some plants that are recognized as clovers by the general public, though botanically they are not. Even the folks living in Ireland have some difficulty agreeing on what a shamrock truly is. In a survey conducted by Tippitwitchet Cottage at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin showed that Irish believe the shamrock to be one of four plants:
* 46 percent believe it is the lesser trefoil, or hop clover;
* 35 percent say it's the white clover;
* 7 percent think it's the black medick (which isn't a clover at all, merely a clover-like plant); and,
* 4 percent believe the shamrock is the red clover.
Why the division over what the shamrock really is? Well, that may come from the legend of the shamrock itself. The story goes that Saint Patrick used the shamrock as a visual aid to explaining the Christian belief of the doctrine of the Trinity. Shamrocks have three leaves united by one stalk, which Saint Patrick pointed out during his lesson.
Now, you're probably scratching your head and thinking, "Three leaves? What about the 'lucky four-leaf clover'?" Ah, that's where things become even more confusing. Technically speaking, a four-leaf clover cannot be a shamrock because of the very fact that it has four leaves and doesn't conform to the definition originated in the Saint Patrick legend. The idea of the lucky four-leaf clover actually originates not through Christian tradition, but through Pagan beliefs. Ancient Druids were said to have propagated this belief because they held the four-leaf clover as a Celtic charm against malevolent spirits.
Three leaf, four leaf, shamrock, clover-whatever the case may be, shamrocks or what passes for them make a beautiful addition to any St. Patrick's Day flower arrangement or bouquet. So, remember to ask your florist to add the luck o' the Irish to your St. Patrick's Day flowers!
About The Author
Wesley Berry is the President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a successful multi-million dollar business that was established in 1946. He is also the Headmaster of the Professional Florists' Institute, a floral design school located in Michigan. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the web at http://www.800wesleys.com.
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Buy Flowers For Hillary Duff... Or Your Favorite Teen
Buy Flowers For Hillary Duff... Or Your Favorite Teen
by: Wesley Berry
She loves clothes, talking on the phone, boys, teen stars like Hillary Duff, and a great pair of vintage jeans, but will your teen girl love a gift of flowers? Absolutely! In a recent survey, flowers proved to be among the most favored gifts men and women give and receive. And, since your teen is a young woman in training, there's no doubt that she will appreciate beautiful flowers, too-especially if you customize the gift to fit her special interests.
When considering a gift of flowers for your teen, you first have to ask when it's appropriate to send her flowers. The answer: Anytime! Of course, if you prefer to give flowers on special occasions, here are some ideas:
* Her birthday. Birthdays are an obvious choice, but think about having them delivered at a time of day when she'll garner some special attention (unless she's the shy type who might be embarrassed by...
Buy Flowers For Hillary Duff... Or Your Favorite Teen
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Tropical plants blossoming in your home
Tropical plants blossoming in your home
by: Dio Tropica
The easiest plants to grow are tropical plants. You don't
even require a greenhouse to grow them. Most of the tropical
plants grow very well in a typical home environment.
However, you have to provide a consistently warm temperature
to help tropical plants grow well. Of course you don't have
to do anything special about it. They need the temperature
that you need. Since the average home temperature is 73-76
degrees, the temperatures for growing tropical plants is
just about right. Moreover, tropical plants need slightly
higher humidity, which is again so easy to provide in an
average home.
Notwithstanding, you will need to pay special attention to
see that your tropical plants get enough sunlight. Again,
you don't have to put them under direct sunlight or keep
shifting them from place to place chasing the sunlight. All
they need is light,...
Tropical plants blossoming in your home
Florist > Tropical plants blossoming in your home
Reminiscing About Your Past Can Stimulate Your Future
Reminiscing About Your Past Can Stimulate Your Future
by: Sonny Julius
Have you ever thought much about how some of your past experiences and talents influenced how your life turned out? I sure have and I?ve found it not only interesting but valuable, too. Whatever the case, I believe we can all find value in reminiscing about our past.
Here's why. If you are not totally satisfied with the way your life is going today, no matter what age you are, I believe reminiscing about the past could provide some clues for improving it.
Let me give explain what I mean. There could be certain talents you had in the past that you no longer use anymore. Could restoring some of them be of value to you now? Think about that seriously. Are you missing out on something in your life today that by using some past talents you could improve your lifestyle? Maybe you could even solve a persistent problem you are having in your life.
Let's review for a moment...
Reminiscing About Your Past Can Stimulate Your Future
Florist > Reminiscing About Your Past Can Stimulate Your Future
St. Patrick's Day Shamrocks Bring Luck O' The Irish To Flowers Florist photo printers
How to Manage Your Money When Working Overseas
How to Manage Your Money When Working Overseas
by: Rhiannon Williamson
It?s a fact that employers look favourably on a resume that presents an independent, dynamic individual who has an open mind and has seen more of the world than their own back yard.
With this fact in mind a greater number of people are taking time away from their studies and careers nowadays and spending a period of time travelling or working overseas.
If you?re considering taking...
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Pros And Cons Of Traveling Cheap To India
Pros And Cons Of Traveling Cheap To India
by: Dana Goldberg
For a long time, India has been one of the premier destinations for traveling. With rich culture and magnificence, it would offer you many places to see. And going there to experience the place would not cost you so much especially when you decide to travel cheap. But traveling cheap has its own cost. Here are the pros and cons when you decide to travel cheap to India:
Pros
1. When you are...
St. Patrick's Day Shamrocks Bring Luck O' The Irish To Flowers
Florist > Pros And Cons Of Traveling Cheap To India
Personalized Gift Giving, a Timeless Tradition
Personalized Gift Giving, a Timeless Tradition
by: Jay Stockman
The tradition of gift giving appears to originate from the Roman practice of presenting the Emperor, and each other with good luck tokens. At first these gifts were simple, such as a few twigs from a sacred bush, or a variety of foods. As it ultimately happens, this practice broadened in an effort to receive special favors or to impress, so that more precious gifts were given, clothing, gold or silver...
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Does your Website Sell or Smell?
Does your Website Sell or Smell?
by: Mark Bellinger
Your website does not stand much chance of selling anything if it pays scant regard to the user.
In other words your Site Visitor?s experience, in terms of the following, is what will make your site sell or smell!
The following 7 guidelines are all equally important and will determine the success of your website.
1. Functionality
a) Functionality is a double-edged sword in that the site...
vacuum cleaner St. Patrick's Day Shamrocks Bring Luck O' The Irish To Flowers Florist Does your Website Sell or Smell?
Florist > Does your Website Sell or Smell?