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Trefoil
Trefoil (from Latin ''trifolium'', "three-leaved plant", French ''trèfle'', German ''Dreiblatt'' and ''Dreiblattbogen'') 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.
Architecture
Trefoil is a term in Gothic architecture|Gothic architecture given to the ornamental foliation or cusping introduced in the heads of window-lights, tracery, panellings, etc., in which the center 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|Winchester (1222 - 1235). The fourfold version of an architectural trefoil is a quatrefoil.
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:
Image:Trefoil-Architectural-Equilateral-Triangle-outlined.png|Outlined
Image:Trefoil-Architectural-Equilateral-Triangle-interlaced.png|Interlaced
A dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, is sometimes depicted within the outlined form of the trefoil combined with a triangle.
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''[See http://www.symbols.com/encyclopedia/24/2451.html. The French terms ''quartefeuille'' and ''quintefeuille'' are translated as ''quatrefoils'' and ''cinquefoils''.].
Image:Héraldique meuble trèfle 1.svg|Trefoil in heraldry
Image:Blason famille fr Duprat.svg|''Or a fess sable between three trefoils vert''
Image:Blason ville fr Boissy-sans-Avoir (Yvelines).svg|''Gules a cross flory argent between four threefoils or''
Symbols
- The symbol for recycling (see Recycling symbol).
- The symbol indicating radioactivity.
- One particular stylized form of the heraldic trefoil is used as the main element in the logo of most Girl Guide and Girl Scout organizations and is one of the more popular Girl Scout Cookies.
- The logo of Adidas.
Image:Radioactive.svg|Hazard symbol#Radioactive sign|Radioactive hazard trefoil
Image:Biohazard symbol.svg|Hazard symbol#Biohazard sign|Biological hazard trefoil
Image:FalloutshelterinmageCivilDefense.jpg|Fallout shelter trefoil.
Trademark
The green trefoil is registered under international trade-mark conventions as a symbol of Ireland. Shamrocks do not appear on Irish coins, bank-notes or postage stamps, as a rule.
Other meanings
- A trefoil formation is a cross-sectional arrangement of electrical cables that minimises electrodynamic forces during fault conditions.
See also
- Quatrefoil
- Trefoil knot
External links
- Explanation of Christian symbolism of Trefoil
References
Category:Ornaments
Category:Christian symbolsRelated Images- Architectural Trefoil (also a Christian symbol)
Sources: StartLearningNow, Wikipedia | Usage license: GNU FDL
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