Genuine Four Leaf Clover

The clover you see above was identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a White Dutch Clover.

It is different from a Shamrock. Shamrocks only have three leaves.

The fourth leaf of this white Dutch Clover is believed to make it a symbol of luck.

Long ago this one was placed on card stock, pressed securely under glass, and placed in a wooden frame.

I have had this little framed four leaf clover on a corner of my vanity for a long time.

The sun from the bathroom window has sadly faded the vibrant green it used to show.

Today I looked at it with new eyes and decided that I really should put it away.

I kept it there for so long because it was from my mother-in-law. I also liked the idea that it was a symbol of luck.

Today I am old enough to know that this is a foolish romantic thought. I’m superstitous enough to not throw it away, and this too is foolish.

In the wild they live and die and feed the soil for new generations. No luck is lost.