Trefoil

Trefoil comes from the Latin word for “leaf,” since its shape often resembles a leaf. A trefoil is a pattern of the outline of three overlapping rings, often used in Christian symbolism in church architecture and in crosses – especially Ethiopian Crosses – to represent the Holy Trinity which reflects the idea that God is one god in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The ‘trefoil flowers’ are at the ends of crossbars symbolize the Holy Trinity and the Resurrection. Three overlapping rings also depict the interconnected and inseparable nature of God.The form is also used in Buddhism in which a 3-foiled arch, aureole or nimbus (cloud) is used to highlight a supernatural being.