![]() The quatrefoil portrayal continued into the Classic period, as evidenced in the iconography of numerous Classic Maya monuments. The association between rulership and the quatrefoil symbol continued into the ensuing Late Preclassic period. The associated imagery is related to agricultural fertility and the arrival of rain, as evidenced by the rain-bearing clouds above the quatrefoil portal. Thus, quatrefoil seems to be associated with water rituals. This cave opening represents a water source. In the latter case, one half of a quatrefoil represents the opening of a cave where an important personage is seated. Both a full quatrefoil, and a partial portrayal of quatrefoil are found on monuments here. Īnother early example of a quatrefoil is found at Chalcatzingo, Morelos state, Mexico, the city that flourished between 700 BCE and 500 BCE. The quatrefoil depicts the opening of the cosmic central axis at the crossroads of the four cardinal directions, representing the passageway between the celestial and the underworld. In ancient Mesoamerica, the quatrefoil is frequently portrayed on Olmec and Mayan monuments, such as at La Blanca, Guatemala where it dates to approximately 850 BC. In ancient Mesoamerica Ĭhalcatzingo Monument 1, El Rey, representing one half of a quatrefoil The Monastery of Stoudios in Constantinople, built in 462 AD, features arches seen to be the product of taking a regular quatrefoil and dividing it in half. Although the design is often referred to as of Islamic origin, there are examples of its use that precede the birth of Islam by almost 200 years. It is most commonly found as tracery, mainly in Gothic architecture, where a quatrefoil often may be seen at the top of a Gothic arch, sometimes filled with stained glass. The quatrefoil enjoyed its peak popularity during the Gothic and Renaissance eras. A similar shape with three rings is called a trefoil. In recent years, several luxury brands have attempted to fraudulently assert creative rights related to the symbol, which naturally predates any of those brands' creative development. The word 'quatrefoil' means "four leaves", from the Latin quattuor, "four", plus folium, "leaf" the term refers specifically to a four-leafed clover, but applies in general to four-lobed shapes in various contexts. ![]() It is found in art, architecture, heraldry and traditional Christian symbolism. Petrus parish church in Peterslahr, GermanyĪ quatrefoil (anciently caterfoil) is a decorative element consisting of a symmetrical shape which forms the overall outline of four partially overlapping circles of the same diameter. Since it only ever produces four leaves, it is a failsafe for those looking to add a bit of "luck" to the season.Quatrefoil window at the St. This Mexican species produces leaves divided into four with the characteristic lobe-like shape. I find it interesting that some of the most the famous depictions of four-leaf "clovers" are not clovers at all but rather varieties of Oxalis tetraphylla. ![]() A study done on white clover lends some support to the genetic connection. Some feel that it is environmental while others feel it is the result of recessive genes. Clovers with five or more leaves have been found and the world record for most leaves on a single clover is 56! What causes this mutation is a bit of a mystery. The mutation doesn't stop at four leaves either. You stand the best chance of finding them in patches of either white clover ( Trifolium repens) or red clover ( Trifolium pratense), which are actually native to parts of Europe and Africa. The odds of finding a four-leaf clover is roughly 1 in 10,000. As the generic name suggests, true clovers typically exhibit leaves of three. When one speaks traditionally about finding a four-leaf clover they are usually referring to a member of the genus Trifolium, which is a genus of true clovers in the legume family. They are a symbol of good luck and finding one is quite exciting. Irish or not, four-leaf clovers are ingrained in our culture.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |