Date:  August 16, 2007

CONTACT:  Mary Riherd Broomfield, Marketing and Public Relations Director
                (626) 445-7771, ext. 313, mbroomfield@gsmwvc.org


The Legend of the Trefoil
Timeless Symbol Unites Girls Worldwide



Girl Scouting has grown with the times and with millions of girls since its birth over 95 years ago, yet throughout the years the traditional trefoil remains the timeless symbol for Girl Scouts in the United States and for the movement worldwide.

Historically, “trefoil,” which means three leaves, is the sign of the North as pictured by the old mariner's compass.  It is said to have originated in China 4,500 years ago as a directing sign to guide people of courage on their ventures into the unknown places of the earth.  Through the ages, the trefoil directed travelers and their explorations, and so it became the emblem of direction and triumph.

So it’s no wonder that in 1912, Juliette Gordon Low chose the trefoil for the symbol of her fledgling organization in the United States. The traditional Girl Scout pin was a trefoil which perfectly combined the historic meaning with the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise.  The original Girl Scout pin is overlaid with the American Eagle and shield. In 1978, a new stylized trefoil was introduced which symbolizes both the contemporary and continuing commitment to the three-part Promise. The three faces stand for the diversity of Girl Scouting and its focus on girls.

In 1927, the trefoil emerged again as an international symbol in the World Trefoil pin uniting Girl Scouts and Girl Guides throughout the world through the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

Today, no matter where a Girl Scout travels in the world, if she encounters another Girl Scout or Girl Guide, the same World Trefoil pin will be worn above all other membership pins.

The World Trefoil Pin has a rich symbolism. The flame stands for love of humanity.  The vein pointing upwards represents the compass needle pointing the way. The two stars represent the Promise and Law.  The outer circle represents the worldwide association.  The golden yellow trefoil on a bright blue background represents the sun shining over the children of the world.

Traditionally, the three leaves, like the three fingers of the Girl Scout sign, refer to the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise.  The center leaf signifies duty to God and Country; the one on the right, duty to help other people at all times; and the one on the left, the duty of keeping the Girl Scout Law.


To read featured news stories that have appeared on the Homepage in past weeks, click here.