Symbolism - trefoil

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trefoil

The trefoil is a three leaved plant, resembling a three-leafed clover, usually shown slipped (with a stem at the bottom). It is a symbol of perpetuity, with the three leaves representing the past, present and future. It is also sometimes a symbol of fertility and abundance. Quatrefoils are not the same as shamrocks, though they do have four leaves; the leaves of a quatrefoil are more circular and they appear without the stem of a trefoil, except for very rarely. Architects placed this symbol on churches to signify that the gospel, the harbinger of peace and immortality, was preached there. In British rules of inheritance, the double quatrefoil signified the ninth son. A cinquefoil follows the same guidelines but unlike the quatrefoil, is very common in coats of arms. Notably the cinquefoil was the personal badge of Simon de Montfort, the man who led the baronial revolts against the King of England in the 13th century. He likely used the cinquefoil as a party badge that was worn by his followers and lead to its popularization. Narcissus flowers, primroses and ‘fraises,’ or strawberries are also five-petaled flowers that fall under the category of a cinquefoil.

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Last Updated: Sunday, November 22, 2009