Fun Facts About Four-Leaf Clovers for St. Patrick's Day

Today, four-leaf clovers are associated with St. Patrick's Day, but they appear in centuries-old legends as symbols of good luck. The Druids (Celtic priests), in the early days of Ireland, believed that when they carried a three-leaf clover or shamrock, they could see evil spirits coming and have a chance to escape in time. Four-leaf clovers were Celtic charms, presumed to offer magical protection and ward off bad luck. Children in the Middle Ages believed if they carried a four-leaf clover, they would be able to see fairies, and the first literary reference to suggest their good fortune was made in 1620 by Sir John Melton.

Get more ideas for celebrating St. Patrick's Day. 

• There are approximately 10,000 three-leaf clovers for every "lucky" four-leaf clover.
• There are no clover plants that naturally produce four leaves, which is why four-leaf clovers are so rare.
• The leaves of four-leaf clovers are said to stand for faith, hope, love, and luck.
• It's often said that Ireland is home to more four-leaf clovers than any other place, giving meaning to the phrase "the luck of the Irish."
• If you're lucky enough to find a four-leaf clover, look for more! If a clover plant produces a four-leaf clover, it's more likely to produce another four-leaf lucky charm than plants that only produce three-leaf clovers.
• The fourth leaf can be smaller or a different shade of green than the other three leaves
• Shamrocks and four-leaf clovers are not the same thing; the word 'shamrock' refers only to a clover with three leaves.

Don't stress about searching for your lucky four-leaf clover. Create your own! We're sharing our favorite St. Patrick's Day craft ideas that involve these lucky leaves. Make accessories for the big parade, or go all-out with holiday decorations for your home. These craft ideas are so easy, you'll want to make them all! Grab the kids and the craft supplies (preferably in green), and start making these fun creations. 

See our favorite St. Patrick's Day craft ideas.

Get our best St. Patrick's Day crafts for kids.

Use these DIY ideas to decorate your home for St. Patrick's Day.

These dreamy green treats are better than a pot of gold. We're sharing our best shamrock desserts, including recipes for festive cookies, adorable surprise-inside shamrock cupcakes, and a delicious shamrock-theme shake (this one is so tasty!). Satisfy your sweet tooth with these cute desserts that celebrate the symbol of St. Patrick's Day. No clover hunt required! 

Get the Shamrock Cookies recipe.

Try making Suprise-Inside Clover Cupcakes. 

Skip the drivethrough and make Shamrock Shake Cupcakes.