This articleneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Trefoil" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(December 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |

Atrefoil (from Latin trifolium 'three-leaved plant') is a graphic form composed of the outline of three overlapping rings, used inarchitecture,Pagan andChristian symbolism, among other areas. The term is also applied to other symbols with a threefold shape. A similar shape with four rings is called aquatrefoil.
'Trefoil' is a term inGothic 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-lobedleaf (formed from three partially overlapping circles). One of the earliest examples is in the plate tracery atWinchester Cathedral (1222–1235). The fourfold version of an architectural trefoil is aquatrefoil.
A simple trefoil shape in itself can be symbolic of theTrinity,[1] while a trefoil combined with an equilateral triangle was also a moderately common symbol of the Christian Trinity during thelate Middle Ages in some parts of Europe, similar to abarbed quatrefoil. Two forms of a trefoil combined with a triangle are shown below:
Adove, which symbolizes theHoly Spirit, is sometimes depicted within the outlined form of the trefoil combined with a triangle.
In architecture and archaeology, a 'trefoil' describes a layout orfloor plan consisting of threeapses in clover-leaf shape, as for example in theMegalithic temples of Malta.
Particularly in church architecture, such a layout may be called a "triconchos".
Theheraldic 'trefoil' is a stylizedclover. It should not be confused with the figure named in French heraldrytiercefeuille ("threefoil"), which is a stylized flower with three petals, and differs from the heraldic trefoil in being not slipped.[2][a]
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,[5] while the distinctive trefoil design of therecycling 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 forAdidas Originals, which also includes three stripes.
U stara mirna vremena, kada je koji general držao smotru, pa se na cvjetnoj tratini skupili bataljoni zdravih četa u kalpacima i dolamama u paradi, svi okićeni trolistom hrastovim, svi ulašteni i izglačani, a trube udaraju i glazbe tresu zrakom, te tutnji kavalkada sa crvenim svilenim ruhom generaliteta i zelenim perjanicama, onda je bilo i neke inspiracije u tim puškohvatima. Svi stari soldati gledali su romantično na paradni osamnaesti augusta koji je počeo s topničkim salvama, a svršavao s lampionadom.
{{cite book}}:ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)