Notes from Papaw: Leprechauns!

I know many of you like to have an “Elf on the Shelf” at Christmas time. Have you ever heard of a leprechaun? They are kind of like elves, only Irish. Since March 17^th is St Patrick’s Day this year, I thought you might like to hear some “facts" about leprechauns.

Leprechaun actually means “small body" in Gaelic (one of the Irish first languages). I know the picture has one dressed all in green, but traditionally, they are described as wearing red jackets with seven buttons, and a top hat. They are described as being 1-2 feet tall with reddish beards. They are said to hid pots of gold at the end of rainbows. They are shoemakers by trade. Legend says that if you catch one, especially by the beard, they will grant you three wishes. But beware, since they are considered fairies, they are tricksters, and are known to vanish away immediately if you look away for even a second!

One of the reasons people wear green on St Patrick’s Day is that it is said to make a person invisible to leprechauns so they won’t pull a trick on you. They also like to give you a pinch!

One fun thing that some of my friend’s children are doing this year is making a Leprechaun trap. You can make one out of a shoebox. To lead them to the trap, you need to make a trail of shiny coins. It can even be the chocolate coins that are wrapped in gold foil. The shinier the better! They love it if you add pretty colors, especially rainbows! Be sure to cover up any logos like the Nike symbol on your boxes. If they see that you will scare them away.

They can be simple or fancy. You can google lots of design ideas online. If you can really trick them, you might catch a leprechaun. Papaw hasn’t caught one yet but I will keep trying!.