The four leaf clover is a popular charm. It is a symbol of luck in many countries but is perhaps most associated with Ireland where it is often connected with the fairy folk. It is also said that a four leaf clover was the original Irish. There are a number of very similar plants that resemble clover and are often confused. The “official” four leaf clover is from the White Clover plant as the name suggests this usually has only three leaves. Other similar plants include Water Clover and Oxalis. As can be guessed from the names, four leaf examples of these are not uncommon. There’s no obvious reason why the four leaf clover should be considered lucky except for its scarcity. Some people have estimated that only one white clover leaf in 10,000 has four leaves. The leaves of the clover are sometimes associated with various gifts, for example Faith, Hope and Love. The fourth leaf – which is usually smaller – is Luck. It’s not clear why some clovers develop four leaves and not others. It could be partly due to genetic or environmental factors. This is supported by the fact that four leaved clovers are often found together in patches. Today you can buy four leaf clovers by mail order, some of which are specially bred. These are often incorporated into products such as cards, key rings, jewellery and other stuff. Some people even have a picture of one as a tattoo. How such a plant compares in the luck department to one found growing wild is not known. It has been known for centuries that cast iron horseshoes bring good luck and protect against evil. There is therefore no better gift imaginable than a Good Luck Horseshoe. A joy to give and to receive! There are numerous occasions at which you can give a good luck gift. What about an anniversary, a wedding, a new baby or moving house. Even at a farewell party it is a fun gift to give! You can make it really special by engraving it with a personal text. Also, the typical number of seven nail holes in a real horseshoe is considered lucky in European tradition. All this added up to a strong belief in the lucky properties of horseshoes and horseshoes found should always be kept and nailed to the door of your house or barn.