Clover tattoo is one of the most popular images among lovers of body symbols. This phenomenon is explained by the fact that the design has a special meaning that allows it to be applied to the body by both women and men, regardless of age. In this article we will analyze in detail the meaning of a clover tattoo, and also look at photos of the finished works.
The hidden meaning of a clover tattoo
A three-leaf clover tattoo has a special meaning. Each leaf has its own meaning. As a rule, this is hope, faith and, of course, love. Such a tattoo can combine all the necessary qualities that a person needs for a happy life.
A four leaf clover tattoo means great luck. After all, as you know, a plant with four leaves is very rare. But whoever finds it will be very lucky in the near future. That is why the four-leaf clover is considered a sign of luck, rare luck and happiness. Often there are drawings with the image of a clover with a rosebud - this means eternal love and devotion to a partner.
The meaning of the petals and colors of the quatrefoil
According to Druid beliefs, each petal on the four-leaf leaf of this plant had its own meaning. Celtic priests compared the structure of the leaf with the universe, where a separate clover petal carried the meaning of one of the elements.
A four-leaf clover found by chance will bring good luck.
- The first petal is fire. It carried the meaning of human self-confidence and glory.
- The second is water. Responsible for material wealth and success in business.
- The third is air. His role is good luck in love and family happiness for the rest of his life.
- The fourth petal is the earth. Promotes mental balance and harmony with the outside world, gives a person good health and longevity.
The priests believed that it was impossible to purposefully search for a talisman - the amulet itself would accidentally “meet” a person who really needed its help.
In ancient times, the red flower of a four-leaf magical plant was used in the making of love potions. The color red was associated with love and passion, and the sweetness of the flower itself was associated with pleasure.
There is an ancient ritual to attract the elements to protect a person. To carry it out, you need to climb to a hill at dawn. Ideally, it should be a hill or mountain, but in a metropolis, you can choose the tallest building that you can get to. Next, when the sun begins to rise, carefully tear the petals and scatter them to the four cardinal directions:
- the first - to the north, calling on fire with a request for good luck and success in all matters;
- throw the second to the south, calling on the water to help with the influx of financial well-being;
- send the third to the east, turning to the air for help in love affairs;
- the fourth - to the west, calling on the earth with a request to improve health.
After the ritual, you need to pick a fresh white clover flower and carry it with you constantly. The amulet cannot be removed, otherwise the connection with the elements will be lost.
Clover tattoo color scheme
When choosing a color for a clover tattoo, artists advise paying attention to green, gold or silver. They are considered traditional for this image. In such colors the pattern will look natural and beautiful.
Current places to apply clover tattoos
Places for a clover tattoo have absolutely no effect on its meaning, so you can safely choose based on your desires and pain sensations when applying the design. Often the stronger sex puts clover tattoos on the shoulder, back, chest or wrist. And the beautiful female half prefers designs on the lower back, side, neck or lower abdomen. Girls who are not afraid of pain perform drawings on the ribs.
Popular styles for performing clover tattoos in the photo
A beautiful clover tattoo can be done in almost any style and still look original and fashionable. Among the most popular techniques for applying clover leaf tattoos are hyperrealism, old school, minimalism, watercolor and trash polka.
Clover tattoo is a symbol of success on the body of girls
Girls with four-leaf clovers attract the attention of men. They never complain about bad suitors, and always get married happily. Often the symbol of success is depicted in tandem with a beautiful rose as a sign of sincere love for one’s chosen one. But the image of a clover with a violet means endless sorrow for a person. The tattoo looks incredibly beautiful and gentle on a woman’s leg, making it more graceful. Also a good option for girls is an image on the shoulder blades. At this point, the drawing looks very unusual, and most importantly, the application process is almost painless.
Horseshoe meaning
The Egyptians used an amulet of the Moon goddess, shaped like a horseshoe, to attract happiness. The drawing of an arc with its ends down signified an endless stream of knowledge pouring onto the earth. It was believed that a person who decorated his body with a symbol was under the protection of spiritual celestial forces, and a home containing a horseshoe was endowed with maternal femininity and family harmony.
In Rus', horseshoes became widespread during the time of Peter the Great. Not everyone could have horses; only wealthy peasants could afford to buy several animals for working in the fields, and only the rich bred hot purebred horses. That is why a horseshoe began to be considered an attribute of a prosperous and happy life, and hoof protection found on the road was carefully stored or securely nailed to the gate as a talisman.
In Europe in the Middle Ages, there was a legend according to which the devil, walking in circles, turned back, confused by the shape of a horseshoe in the form of a broken circle. The myth originates from the tales of the blacksmith Dunstan, who was approached by the devil himself with a request to make protection for the hooves. The master pressed the devil to the wall to make it easier to work and began nailing horseshoes, asking for blessings from the Lord. The devil could not stand the hellish torment caused not only by the blacksmith, but also by prayers and tried to escape. The mighty master completed the matter and released the evil one, taking an oath from him that the devil would always avoid any dwelling decorated with a horseshoe.
The horseshoe also has a protective amulet in South America. Among the indigenous population, it is believed that a house where a metal talisman is hung scares away black sorcerers, evil forces, and ill-wishers. In eastern countries, the horseshoe sign is drawn with its horns facing upward so that the symbol, which looks like a bowl, helps to gain material well-being, make the land fertile, and a person rich.
The meaning of clover tattoo for men
For Tat men, the four-leaf clover has a special meaning, as it symbolizes success and good luck. A man with such a tattoo is considered unique and special. Guys put such a lucky tattoo on their calves, which helps to visually enlarge them. The four-leaf clover on the back along the entire spine looks very original.
Clover in nature and myths - how did people of different cultures and times relate to clover?
Let's look at what clover was associated with:
- In Russia, Christians believed that this was a symbol of the Holy Trinity - God the Father (divine spirit), the Son (mortal body) and the Holy Spirit (immortal soul). This trinity symbolized the beginning of life, unity and eternity.
- According to Celtic tradition, this symbol means Christianity.
- In Ireland there is a belief that St. Patrick, the preacher of the Christian Church, explained the essence of faith using the example of this plant. In this country, they even began to celebrate St. Patrick's Day by decorating their homes with green petals.
- In Ancient Egypt, the shamrock was deified. It was believed that he was a sign of the gods and goddesses whom the Egyptians revered.
- The Druids considered it a sign of the spring equinox, as well as a symbol of lost love and farewell, as they planted clover on graves.
- In India, people associated the four cardinal directions with this plant.
- In Ancient China it was known as a symbol of summer.
- For Buddhists, green petals represent community, the unity of soul and body.
As you probably noticed, shamrock, or clover, does not have a negative meaning.
From what period they began to depict four leaves has not yet been established by historians. But, if you want to create a truly magical tattoo, then you should take into account the opinion of our ancestors and draw sketches with three leaves.
Clover tattoo with cute ladybug
A clover tattoo with a companion is very popular in the variation with a ladybug sitting on top of the leaf or next to it, especially if the plant has four leaves. This combination further enhances the positive meaning of the tattoo, symbolizes success, and attracts luck to its owner. This tattoo is suitable for both men and women.
Where and how to use the talisman
It is important to always carry a quatrefoil amulet with you.
The main rule of use is to wear the amulet next to you, for example, as a decoration. Most often it is used in the form of a ring or pendant. Thus, clover will be a strong talisman for a long time, constantly attracting good luck and protecting a person from evil forces.
According to some sources, the power of a four-leaf clover talisman can be enhanced if used in a certain way:
- To meet a potential life partner as quickly as possible, you need to put a leaf in your shoes (for example, under the insole) before going out.
- If you carry a magic leaf in your wallet, it will attract money.
- To get rid of despair, depression, sadness, the leaf needs to be wrapped in a piece of blue fabric made of natural material. The amulet should be worn closer to the body.
- The talisman can be placed in a small frame with glass to preserve its integrity for a long time, and can be used as protection against the evil eye, negative energy and ill-wishers. To do this, a frame with a leaf is hung above the entrance to the home.
- To attract family well-being, the leaf should be wrapped in a clean, light cloth and placed under the porch of a house or the threshold of an apartment.
There are also some absolutely incredible recommendations: “If at the first rays of the rising sun you put seven fresh grains of wheat on the petals, then after a while you can meet a little fairy who makes wishes come true.”
The found amulet cannot be shown to other people, otherwise it will lose its power. This is especially true for an amulet that will be used for personal purposes and carried with you.
Clover tattoo with horseshoe for good luck
Equally common is the combination of horseshoes and clover. This is done in order to secure fortune on your side and always be with it. There are quite a lot of tattoo variations: the emphasis can be placed on a horseshoe around which the clover curls, or, on the contrary, the horseshoe can be placed behind the leaves so that only its end is visible. Very popular options are to position the horseshoe with its horns facing left or up. In the first case, it resembles a growing moon, which increases the well-being of its owner. And in the second case, the horseshoe looks like a cup of abundance, filled with great prosperity.
A little history
In ancient times, this insect was considered a messenger of heaven. The ladybug was idolized and eagerly awaited its appearance in the fields, because it was she who helped protect the crops from pests. By the way, the name ladybug is due to the fact that the color of the shell of this bug was associated with the red cloak of the Virgin Mary. Therefore, Christians also treated this cute insect with reverence. Our ancestors believed that the ladybug has a connection with the other world and can convey messages to deceased relatives.
There are many myths and legends associated with the ladybug. For example, one of them tells how Zeus, due to betrayal, turned his wife into this insect. In Asia, they believed that the cute creature had an amazing ability to understand the language of people and could convey any requests to God. There is also a sign that if an insect lands on the hand of a married woman without children, then there will soon be a new addition to the family. The number of children can be judged by counting the dots on the wings of a ladybug.
The image of this incredibly cute bug symbolizes love, tenderness, kindness, motherhood and represents the sun.
Clover with an infinity sign: interesting tattoo options
The combination of clover and infinity sign looks very simple, but carries a deep philosophical meaning. As you know, the traditional clover expresses a symbol of good luck and luck, and the graceful flowing figure eight means infinity. In general, this combination is a lucky amulet for endless good luck. It is preferred by both girls and men, because everyone wants to bring happiness in their favor.
Black design of tattoo with clover
A black tattoo with an image of a clover looks very good in blackwork style. And although this option is very rare, it looks very stylish and bold. Often the opposite meaning of clover is expressed in black. Most want to show that luck bypasses the owner, there is no hope, no love in their lives, and there is no faith left at all. Black clover is depicted by people who are gradually losing the joys of life.
Application technique
A ladybug tattoo looks impressive both as a separate design and as part of a composition. Experts agree that only a color image of an insect will add zest to the image: even a photo of a ladybug looks bright and cheerful.
A tattoo with this bug can be done in any style: new school, watercolor, realism, old school, traditional. Depending on the style and structure of the overall composition, a bright image of an insect can decorate a large black and white tattoo. An experienced master will give advice on which technique is best to choose based on the sketch.
Sketches of small sizes look piquant on the wrist, on the hand in general. The big advantage in this case is that the tattoo can be hidden under clothing at any time. This option is suitable for beginners. The ladybug on the leg is a common place for tattoos among girls, as is the foot. Such an image emphasizes the femininity and grace of its owner.
Watch the video on the topic
Photos of tattoos
White Clover - Rare Tattoo
Even with the main green color of clover, there may be white spaces in the tattoo, which add tenderness and originality. White color always symbolizes the purity and modesty of a person. A very common tattoo option when the clover is not completely painted over in any color. You can simply make a thin border and leave the skin tone as the main color of the image.
Now you can safely choose the version of the clover tattoo you like in the photo and apply it to your body. Luck, faith, hope and love will always accompany you after making the right choice!
Design ideas and designation
Clover is a tattoo that is mostly depicted in the color green. However, the choice of design has no limits: the leaf can be painted black and white, which will not make it look any worse.
To help you make your choice, we present the most popular and original photos of finished works made in various styles.
Celtic four leaf clover tattoo. This is probably the most common type of design. The tattoo may contain some features, such as the Celtic tree of life or the Celtic cross, which surround the plant. In fact, the tattoo has a distinct Celtic theme and is done in the traditional green color.
Design for gambling people. Clover tattoos are done by some people for good luck in gambling. The tattoo can be combined with the inscription “Lady Luck”, which literally translates as “Lady Luck”. A shamrock tattoo can be accompanied by an image of money, cards, chips or dice.
Tribal designs are also quite common. It is used to symbolize good luck with another hidden meaning. Therefore, it may contain signs and designs from various cultures.
Family tattoos can mean that relatives are a close-knit and friendly team. And also that they have special luck in what they do (for example, running a family business).
Horseshoe and clover tattoo is the most popular design used by both boys and girls. This combination in a tattoo means special luck in life in all areas. It is a powerful talisman that brings tremendous success to the owner.
