Glancing Leprechaun
Photo © Ignacio Leonardi at SXC
In Irish folklore, there exists some of the most colorful creatures in the world. These creatures include colorful faeries or far darrigs, wealthy pig-faced women and terrifying banshees. Perhaps the most well-known of the Irish creatures are the leprechauns, as they have become one of the major symbols of St. Patrick's Day.
Leprechauns are small, mischievous creatures that have an ancient history in Ireland. Wikipedia, quoting Charles Squire's Mythology of a Celtic People, states that the leprechaun race may have originated from the Tuatha Dé Danann, a mythical race of ancient beings. Wikipedia also states that several writers and poets, including William Yates, discuss leprechauns in some of their works.
A Leprechaun's appearance can be described as a small human being. An adult leprechaun might be the size of a large rabbit or hare. They are somewhat similar to elves in appearance. The description of leprechauns has changed slightly over the centuries, which is understandable as they are said to be extremely difficult to find. According to Wikipedia, some of the earlier references in poetry and folklore saw them as having a red coat, with buckles on their shoes and hats. Today, in many areas of the world, people think of leprechauns as having green coats and hats, with red beards and pointy ears. The green in their clothing very possibly represents the green color associated with Ireland, as Ireland is famously known as the Emerald Isle. Like elves, leprechauns are adept at shoemaking and engaging in mischief.
Leprechauns are often described as having a pot of gold, which is hidden at the end of a rainbow. Folklore says that if a person captures a leprechaun, they may obtain all or a portion of the pot of gold.
It has become a fun children's tradition in some areas of the world to attempt to catch a leprechaun on or near St. Patrick's Day. Many children will build a leprechaun trap to aid them in their quest. These traps can range from simple traps such as propped up shoeboxes to more complex traps constructed out of fun toys like Lincoln Logs. The design of the trap depends on the imagination of the child, and if the designer is cunning enough, they might find money or other trinkets in the trap on the morning of St. Patrick’s Day where a leprechaun had visited.
King Brian in "Darby O’Gill and the Little People" – In the 1959 Walt Disney Movie “Darby O’Gill and the Little People, Darby O'Gill attempts to capture King Brian, King of the Little People. According to Irish folklore, if a person is successful in capturing a leprechaun, they may obtain three wishes. Darby's ultimate goal is to wish for a pot of gold so that he and his daughter can remain in their house, and he tries to outwit the mischievous King Brian to do so.
Lucky Charms – The icon of the cereal "Lucky Charms" is the leprechaun Lucky.
1. Wikipedia contributors. "Leprechaun." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 28 Dec. 2011. Web. 29 Jan. 2012.