According to some traditions, a young woman seeking a husband should go in search of a four-leaf clover. If she is fortunate enough to find one, she is to eat it. The first unmarried man she encounters after eating the clover will be the one she will wed. Another tradition of gaining a husband or wife is to find a four-leaf clover and place it in one’s shoe first thing in the morning. The first unmarried member of the opposite sex encountered that day will be one’s future spouse.
The superstition of the four-leaf clover is thought by some to originate with the Druids. Apparently they believed the shamrock helped them to see evil spirits, thereby allowing them time to get away or find a safe hide-out. The four-leaf clover was also used to ward off evil as it provided a magical repellent that would turn away bad luck. The bearer of the clover was also able to see fairies and this became a very popular past-time with children in the middle ages. Young adventurers would go out each day to find four-leaf clovers and once they found them, would then proceed to look for fairies among the flowers and fields.
The three-leaf clover is also associated with good luck as it is believed to be a symbol for the Holy Trinity. By wearing a three- or a four-leaf clover, good luck is brought to the bearer.
