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On Leprechauns

by Summer Minor

leprechaunWith St. Patrick’s day coming up the world has turned Irish it seems. Everything green and leafy has taken over and leprechauns are found dancing in most stores, their smiling faces shining like the mythical pot of gold they are said to guard. But what you we really know about leprechauns?

I found this great Hidden Guide to Irish Fairies the other day and loved it. The information there on not just leprechauns but also other types of Irish fairies is great. It shares their habits, tricks, and even the origins of their name.

The name leprechaun may have derived from the Irish (shoemaker), although its origins may lie in luacharma’n (Irish for pygmy).

Leprechauns are such a part of what we know of Irish culture they hold a special place for many of us. Though the typical image we have now for leprechauns is a purely American invention. According to The History Channel

Leprechauns had nothing to do with St. Patrick or the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, a Catholic holy day. In 1959, Walt Disney released a film called Darby O’Gill & the Little People, which introduced America to a very different sort of leprechaun than the cantankerous little man of Irish folklore. This cheerful, friendly leprechaun is a purely American invention, but has quickly evolved into an easily recognizable symbol of both St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland in general.

Leprechauns are thought to have come from the Celtic God Lugh, a sun god worshiped in Ireland as leader of the Tuatha De Danaan.

For more leprechaun facts here are a few good books you can look for.


Posted in Lesson plans on March 13th, 2008

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2 Responses to “On Leprechauns”

  1. homemom3 Says:
    March 13th, 2008 at 11:21 am

    we do leprechaun boxes.

  2. homemom3 Says:
    March 14th, 2008 at 6:45 am

    These are leprechaun boxes…. http://holidaymom.blogspot.com/2008/03/leprechaun-boxes.html

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