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!
Clifford Salsbury says
Love silvet
Celeste Cornett says
Im lucky for my children.
John Schark says
Whoa ty!
Jim says
I feel lucky because I have an awesome wife and wonderful kids.
Douglas says
I feel lucky because I have a great family and friends.
Lisa Wyland says
The 26th is my son’s birthday, and my cat had kittens a year ago on that date so Pongo and Toupee will be a year old on Monday.
Thank you for the chance.
Sir Minnesota says
If I Win Will You Deliver To Minnesota?
Shane Watterson says
Lucky is my nickname. Let’s see if it holds true.
James Swinney says
I’m 76 and still alive thanks to a little bit of luck and God!
lawrence free says
I’m lucky to have family and friends close.
Craig glasscock says
I’m feeling lucky.
Michael McNaney says
I have the luck of the Irish behind me.
Christopher S. says
Do I feel lucky? I have to ask myself – did he fire six shots or only five? And who is he calling a punk anyway? Guess you win this time Harry- but I’ll have the last laugh when I win the free silver!!!!!
Josh Moody says
Im lucky because I have my health, my family, and my freedom (what is left of it)!
Damon Bacon says
I feel lucky because I quit smoking 2 years ago after being a smoker for 31 years. I have never felt better.
Kerry Jones says
I would love to win because my birthday is March 24th and I just happened to stumble upon this before the deadline. Im not getting any presents so this would make an awesome present.
Jeffrey Chan says
I’m lucky to have ordered the MS70 PR Black Horse (your Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse series) just 2 days before you ran out!
Tim hughes says
I’m feeling lucky that after 20+ years of working for a goal of building a house in the country, it is finally happening. Once the house is built we will have our wedding there. Also feel very lucky for all in our family to be happy and healthy!!
Alfred L Des Champs says
Thanks for letting me inter your contest!
Robert bircher says
I’m lucky cause I’m still living on earth even though I did alot of stupid stuff as a kid s d young adult.
John Lane says
I’m lucky because I lost my Wife a week before Christmas, had to raise 3 kids (ages 11,10 & 7) on my own & now I have 5 Grandkids that are the Love of my life. Win or lose the coin being offered, I’m the Luckiest person in the world. Thank you for the opportunity to participate.
Jimmy Paige says
Top o the morning..fingers crossed for a wee bit of Irish luck….
Nicholas Ciccone says
I am lucky that I have two beautiful, healthy daughters. Being as one just turned one month old, the luck feels fresh everyday. Those first smiles feel amazing.
Greg Megonnell says
I is a wee bit irish
Michael Grygorcewicz says
I’m lucky for my fiancé, she so good to me. I’m the luckiest guy in the world.
Chuck Evans says
Free silver is the BEST silver!!!
Robert cundiff says
I feel lucky because i always buy and never get anything free so it’s a good way to reward a loyal customer
David says
I’m lucky because I kicked cancers butt three times. I’m even more lucky because I reconnected with my first ever girlfriend from high school after 30+ years and we’re getting married.
Robert Ruggiero says
Thanks for the chance
Richard Araujo-Padilla says
I’m lucky to be an enthusiastic collector. In part is the reason that got me into precious metals. Aside from the inherent value, is a fun hobby with so much history to be learned.