With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, people will soon be celebrating by wearing green clothing and enjoying some cold beer. The leprechaun—easily recognizable for its small stature, green suit, buckled shoes, red beard, and derby hat—has become the icon of the holiday. But where did leprechaun lore begin?
Eighth-century Irish folklore portrayed leprechauns as mischievous fairies. The name leprechaun is thought to come from either “luchorpan,” meaning small body, or “leath bhrogan,” meaning shoemaker. The legends of these creatures depict them as cobblers. Yet, each leprechaun was said to have his own pot of gold, often found at the end of a rainbow.
Despite their humble careers, leprechauns were believed to be tricksters who could not be trusted. Legend tells that any person lucky enough to spot and catch a leprechaun could offer him freedom in return for his gold. But leprechauns were deceptive by nature and arranging a deal with one could be risky.
While leprechauns of Irish myth originally wore the color red and a tri-colored hat, their image has changed over the centuries into the small green-clad men we’re familiar with today. One thing that hasn’t changed is that is has always been considered good luck to find a leprechaun, though the original legends tell of the creatures luring humans away for good with the promise of treasure.
Mischievous nature aside, leprechauns are said to be merrymakers who enjoy dancing and drinking. This more closely ties into modern celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day. Want to try your luck at winning a bit of your own treasure?
You can enter our giveaway simply by telling us one reason you feel lucky. Commenting below will serve as your entry for our March giveaway. But remember to keep it classy; inappropriate comments will be deleted and disqualified. Submit your comment (one comment only please) by March 25, 2018. One winner will be randomly selected on March 26, 2018 to receive a Welsh Red Dragon 1 oz colorized silver round from the Celtic Lore series.
May the luck of the Irish be with you!
I feel lucky because I have found love.
I’m lucky because my family loves me!
I finally have my own home in a great neighborhood!
I feel lucky because, ‘Merca!
Woohoo! Corn beef and cabbage to get ya goin.
I am lucky that I have a life of happiness.
I feel lucky because i never win so I must be due lol thanks for the chance.
I’m married to my best friend, am blessed to have three mischievous little leprechauns and one perfect little princess, and have a job I love. I feel like I’m one lucky guy!
I fell lucky because I live in the great state of Georgia!
Im feeling lucky to be alive here in the good ol U.S.A. A BIG thank you to all the troops past and present.
Beer
I feel so lucky I received my insulin pump to help regulate my diabetes this week . THANK you
I feel lucky because I have my family, friends, and health.
I feel lucky because I save money and buy precious metals with it for a rainy day. Love you Provident Metals …
The truth is I feel lucky just waiting on some validation.
I feel lucky to be alive many ups and downs but I’m here.
I feel lucky that I don’t rely on luck to get ahead in life.
I feel lucky to have been blessed with health wealth and a fabulous husband and two daughters and I’m able to collect coins I like.
I am lucky because I can buy my metals Provident metals. 😉
Interesting account of the history, although I wonder if the 4 leaf clover is related to the leprechauns or it’s own symbolic meaning altogether?
I feel lucky to being living in the USA!!
I feel lucky to have such a wonderful family.
My wife is making a full recovery!
I am lucky to have found the perfect match in life. My wife and I are in complete interlocking harmony.
Lucky because I have an Irish lad and lucky to have some PMs!
I feel lucky because the woman I married 33 years ago, who bore me four children (a son, then triplets 13 months later) is taking me to Ireland for the first time just 6 weeks from now!
I’m getting married this year!!!
I’m “lucky” (ie providentially blessed) to live in the greatest, most free country in the world … And grateful to God for it.
May the road rise to meet you and the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and rains fall soft upon your fields ….
I feel lucky because as of right now, I have not yet lost one game on my NCAA Basketball tournament bracket. (Games don’t start until tomorrow.)
Let’s see, I always feel I’ve had great luck. I was born on Friday the 13th (it was a lucky Friday), and it just so happens my birthday is exactly a month away front today, on… You guessed it, Friday the 13th.
But truth be told, I’ve been lucky this year to be healthy and happy. And maybe it isn’t luck so much, as my family and friends.