Shamrock tattoos have an Irish descent, and the word shamrock hails from the Irish words seamrg or seamair g, that mean 'little clover'. Shamrock tattoos are designs of the three-leafed clover which is considered as a sacred symbol in Ireland. Another symbol that is often associated with these tattoos is the four-leaf clover tattoo symbol. Interestingly, both these symbols have an Irish descent and date back to thousands of years ago, during the era of Druids, Celtic tribes and even the modern era of Christianity.
Meaning and Symbolism
Shamrock tattoos are associated with fortune and wealth and has been a known symbol of prosperity for over centuries. You will be surprised to know that the shamrock plant initially hailed as a medicinal plant and it was a part of herbal remedies that were used for curing illnesses. During the Victorian era, shamrock designs became popular for clothes. These tattoos are also associated with the shamrock that was used to symbolize St. Patrick - the patron saint of Ireland. Soldiers of the royal Irish Army often wear a twig of shamrock on the St Patrick's feast day, which falls on 17th March every year. Shamrock, as a symbol, also has a political importance behind it. Queen Victoria had established shamrock as a symbol of the regiment in honor of Irish soldiers who lost their lives in the Boer War.
As small tattoo designs, shamrock tattoos symbolize prosperity, good health, luck and wealth. If you are considering to get one of these tattoos inked on your body, you may consider locations like the ankle, nape of your neck, shoulder, wrist, on your toe and even on your lower back! As they are small in size and simple in design, they make an ideal choice for those who do not want a dazzling large tattoo on their body. As far as placing the tattoo goes, believe me, you have infinite choices for strategically placing it on your body. And that goes same for shamrock tattoo designs too. Since, they are small in size, they can be easily looked after and they will always prove to be a permanent fortunate emblem in your life!
Designs and Ideas
Shamrock tattoos are delicate designs of a clover leaf and a symbol of fortune and prosperity. These designs can be designed in countless ways, with a bit of additional creativity and brainstorming. Here are a few designs you may want to consider, if you are thinking of getting one.
Shamrock Vine Design
Shamrock vine design is for those who are seeking a large tattoo design and want to include shamrock as a part of the design. Best suited for women, this design will have small shamrock leaves surrounded by a floral vine design, very intricately designed and can be placed on your lower back. You may also consider to place this tattoo on the either side of your torso or on the lower half of your leg.
Shamrock Heart Locket Design
Shamrock heart locket design is a clover leaf wrapped in a heart representing love, prosperity and fortune. It is a lovely symbol and can be placed on the top of your chest, just at the end of your neck, like a small shamrock heart locket. It looks lovely on women. If men find it too girly, they may consider combining the shamrock leaf with a Celtic cross, a horseshoe or a tribal tattoo design.
Celtic Knot Shamrock Tattoos
Celtic tattoos and Celtic knots are popular tattoo designs in Ireland and make a great choice when combined with shamrock tattoos. A great style statement of body art can be made if the tattoos are designed with Celtic knots interwoven within four-leafed shamrock designs. Celtic knots when interwoven within a shamrock leaf, has a deeper meaning than all the other shamrock tattoos. This tattoo design has a religious importance, apart from being a symbol of fortune!
Shamrock tattoos can also be combined with love name tats, cross tattoos and shamrock tattoo encircled in the middle surrounded by small curl-like intricate designs on the three sides. By choosing such tattoos you are inviting good luck, prosperity and fortune in your life, as a small shamrock design on your body is sure to bring prosperity in your life.
Shamrock tattoos are symbols for those who hail from Ireland and are proud of their Irish descent. Whether you are an Irish or not, shamrock tattoos make the best designs for all those who have a passion for art. I'm game for one of these for my next ink, are you?
