Trefoil

Trefoil (from Latin trifolium, "three-leaved plant") is a graphic form composed of the outline of three overlapping rings used in architecture and Christian symbolism. The term is also applied to other symbols of three-fold shape. A similar shape with four rings is called a quatrefoil.

For other uses, see Trefoil (disambiguation).
Architectural trefoil

Architecture

Ornamentation

Trefoil is a term in Gothic architecture given to the ornamental foliation or cusping introduced in the heads of window-lights, tracery, and panellings, in which the centre takes the form of a three-lobed leaf (formed from three partially overlapping circles). One of the earliest examples is in the plate tracery at Winchester Cathedral (1222–1235). The fourfold version of an architectural trefoil is a quatrefoil.

A simple trefoil shape in itself can be symbolic of the Trinity,[1] while a trefoil combined with an equilateral triangle was also a moderately common symbol of the Christian Trinity during the late Middle Ages in some parts of Europe. Two forms of this are shown below:

  • Outlined
  • Interlaced

A dove, which symbolizes the Holy Spirit, is sometimes depicted within the outlined form of the trefoil combined with a triangle.

Architectural layout

In architecture and archaeology, trefoils describe a layout or floor plan consisting of three apses in clover-leaf shape, as for example in the Megalithic temples of Malta.

Particularly in church architecture, such a layout may be called a "triconchos".

  • Evolution of layout of Maltese Megalithic temples; Skorba (upper right) has a typical trefoil plan
  • Triconchos

Heraldry

The heraldic trefoil is a stylized clover. It should not be confused with the figure named in French heraldry tiercefeuille, which is a stylized flower with three petals. It differs from the heraldic trefoil in being not slipped. It could be translated as threefoil.[2]

  • Trefoil in heraldry
  • Or a fess sable between three trefoils vert
  • Gules a cross flory argent between four tiercefeuilles Or
  • Croatian trefoil, used by the Axis-sympathetic Croatian Air Force Legion in World War II, formed from a defaced Balkenkreuz[3]

Symbols

Symmetrical trefoils are particularly popular as warning and informational symbols. If a box containing hazardous material is moved around and shifted into different positions, it is still easy to recognize the symbol,[4] while the distinctive trefoil design of the recycling symbol makes it easy for a consumer to notice and identify the packaging the symbol has been printed on as recyclable. Easily stenciled symbols are also favored.

While the green trefoil is considered by many to be the symbol of Ireland, the harp has much greater officially recognized status. Therefore, shamrocks generally do not appear on Irish coins or postage stamps.

A trefoil is also part of the logo for Adidas Originals, which also includes three stripes.

See also

References
  1. Our Christian Symbols by Friedrich Rest (ISBN 0-8298-0099-9), p. 17
  2. "Online Encyclopedia of Western Signs and Ideograms - Symbol 24:51". Symbols.com. 1997–2006. Retrieved 5 January 2010.. The French terms quartefeuille and quintefeuille are translated as quatrefoils and cinquefoils.
  3. "History of 15./Jg 52". Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2011.
  4. "Committee on Microbiological Safety - HMS". www.hms.harvard.edu. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
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