Lucky Tricksters of the Irish (Paranormal Insider: Unexplained Phenomena, Paranormal Activities & Encounters)

That leprechauns became so well known outside of Ireland is a bit of a mystery, as they're not all that central to Irish mythology. In modern times, they're described as small men with red hair and green outfits, cheerfully guarding a pot of gold and awfully fond of either alcohol or breakfast cereal, depending on who you're asking. In fact, there's much more to these wee folk than rainbows and Lucky Charms.

The cobblers of Faerie, leprechauns are solitary male fairies who typically go about their daily work of making shoes in forest hollows and fairy circles or among the hills and hedges of the Irish countryside, although they were once known to "adopt" a human family and live in their home. Throughout history, they're identified as tricksters fond of pulling pranks on humans. But they're also reported to be reclusive and lightning fast, only spotted by chance; they're supposedly unable to escape if being watched, but are very good at making people look away.

The bit about the hoards of gold is true — leprechauns are entrusted with the treasures of Faerie thanks to their cleverness and long memories. If you find a leprechaun, keep your eye on him and ask him to show you his treasure; he's bound by Faerie law to tell the truth, and may offer to give up his gold in exchange for his freedom. However, keep your wits about you and be wary of tricks, and don't let your eyes wander or he'll vanish.

Interestingly, the historic color of the leprechaun's clothing is red, not green: they're described in early accounts as dandies, dressed up in red finery with gold thread filigree and lots of buttons on their coat. Their transformation to green probably has more to do with mid-20th century stereotypes of Irish immigrants than anything else. Same with their fondness for the drink — that's an attribute more closely associated with the leprechaun's lesser-known cousin, the clurichaun.

If you feel lucky, you try to spot one on the Leprechaun Watch webcam, hidden in a tree facing a fairy ring near Tipperary, Ireland. You never know what you might spot.

[illustration via Karen's Whimsy]

Lucky Tricksters of the Irish

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	Lucky Tricksters of the Irish Friday September 28, 2007 8:30 AM That leprechauns became so well known outside of Ireland is a bit of a mystery, as they're not all that central to Irish mythology. In modern times, they're described as small men with red hair and green outfits, cheerfully guarding a pot of gold and awfully fond of either alcohol or breakfast cereal, depending on who you're asking. In fact, there's much more to these wee folk than rainbows and Lucky Charms. The cobblers of Faerie, leprechauns are solitary male fairies who typically go about their daily work of making shoes in forest hollows and fairy circles or among the hills and hedges of the Irish countryside, although they were once known to "adopt" a human family and live in their home. Throughout history, they're identified as tricksters fond of pulling pranks on humans. But they're also reported to be reclusive and lightning fast, only spotted by chance; they're supposedly unable to escape if being watched, but are very good at making people look away. The bit about the hoards of gold is true — leprechauns are entrusted with the treasures of Faerie thanks to their cleverness and long memories. If you find a leprechaun, keep your eye on him and ask him to show you his treasure; he's bound by Faerie law to tell the truth, and may offer to give up his gold in exchange for his freedom. However, keep your wits about you and be wary of tricks, and don't let your eyes wander or he'll vanish. Interestingly, the historic color of the leprechaun's clothing is red, not green: they're described in early accounts as dandies, dressed up in red finery with gold thread filigree and lots of buttons on their coat. Their transformation to green probably has more to do with mid-20th century stereotypes of Irish immigrants than anything else. Same with their fondness for the drink — that's an attribute more closely associated with the leprechaun's lesser-known cousin, the clurichaun. If you feel lucky, you try to spot one on the Leprechaun Watch webcam, hidden in a tree facing a fairy ring near Tipperary, Ireland. You never know what you might spot. [illustration via Karen's Whimsy] Posted by Andrew Huff in History and Folklore - Link - Comments (1) - [+] add to yahoo add to del.icio.us related at technorati Share on Facebook