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The meaning behind the shamrock is deemed to be “lucky.” But that lucky clover
is not the traditional Irish symbol. Thanks to
their connection with Ireland, shamrocks are
rocks are a distinct species of the clover plant, often gifted by the Prime Minister (Taoise-
believed to be the white clover. The word ach) to the President of the United States in
“shamrock” is derived from the Irish “seam- the White House each St. Patrick’s Day. They
róg,” which translates as “young clover.” Over are presented in a special Waterford crystal
the centuries, this diminutive plant has come bowl featuring shamrocks in the design. This
to symbolize Ireland and many things Irish. practice started in 1952. Shamrocks also can
The shamrock also is a popular symbol of St. be seen on Irish clothing designs, the Erin go
Patrick’s Day. The shamrock and Irish culture Bragh flag and the uniforms of several Irish
are so intertwined thanks to Ireland’s patron sports teams. Of course they also are seen
saint, St. Patrick. Legends attest to St. Patrick during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The
using the three petals of the shamrock to il- shamrock and Ireland will always be linked.
lustrate the mysteries of the Holy Trinity to
the Celtic pagans. Each leaf represented the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The shamrock
of Ireland has three leaves, not four as many
people believe. The number three had signifi-
cance in Ireland long before St. Patrick began
When talking about Ireland and its culture to convert the masses. According to Blar-
and symbolism, many different images come ney.com, the number three was believed to
to mind. Affectionately known as the Emer- have magical properties and was a recurring
ald Isle, Ireland is perhaps best known for its theme in Celtic folklore. Because the Celts
bright green hue. Irish flags and even harps were familiar with the shamrock, it became
are symbolic of the nation, but there is per- easy to convert their knowledge of the sham-
haps one symbol that most widely represents rock to the magic of the trinity. The three
the country: the shamrock. A shamrock, by leaves are also said to stand for faith, hope
definition, is a young sprig of clover. Howev- and love. The four-leaf clover is a separate
er, plant experts actually have said that sham- entity and a rarity. That is why the fourth leaf
ping their knuckles was cute, until that kitten
turned into a full-grown, biting cat. WE FIX CARPET!!!
As you’ve probably noticed, yelling, “No” at a
cat doesn’t always get the desired effect. Instead,
gently discourage this behavior. Pet your cat as CLEAN * REPAIR * RE-STRETCH
usual, but as soon as he begins to bite, withdraw
your hand and turn your body partly or totally
away from him. You want to communicate that
biting means he won’t get your attention any
longer.
Another option, before settling in front of the
television with Huey snuggled up next to you,
is to smear a tiny bit of peanut butter or another
favorite treat across your knuckles. Let him lick
Positive Reinforcement Will Nip Cat’s your knuckles periodically while you pet him.
Negative Behaviors The instant he tries to bite, take your hand away.
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My cat Huey will let Essentially, you want Huey to not see your hand
me pet him for a few seconds, and then he’ll nip as a toy or an attention-getter. It will take a few
at my fingers or knuckles. Am I doing something tries, but most cats pick up on your intentions
wrong? How can I get him to stop that behavior? after a while, so be patient and consistent with
-- Sarah W., Boston this training.
DEAR SARAH: Nipping at your hand while be- Does your cat bite? How did you solve it? Tell us
ing petted is a very common cat behavior (or at ask@pawscorner.com.
misbehavior, depending on which end of the (c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc. CARPET * UPHOLSTERY * TILE & GROUT
bite you’re on). It stems from instinctive behav-
iors that a cat learns from the time they’re born PAHRUMP FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS
through adulthood. Advertise With Us
Ideally, the best time to curb biting behavior is (775)727-8787
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example, or owners who thought a kitten nip-
