St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun History and Facts

Eliza | 02 - 26 - 2021
Leprechaun

What are leprechauns? In Irish folklore, a tiny old man wearing green clothes with a cocked hat and leather apron is known as leprechauns. Leprechauns are shoemakers, and research says that their name came from the Irish word ‘leath bhrogan’, meaning shoemaker. Leprechauns are said to be the fairy world’s cobblers who have a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. 

What Is the Story behind the Leprechauns?

These tiny creatures were cranky tricksters; they live alone by mending the shoes of Irish fairies. The fairies pay golden coins for their work, and leprechauns collect them in large pots famously known as the “pots of gold”. Folklore says that if you catch a leprechaun you can force them to say where he hid his pot of gold. On the other side, he will grant you three wishes in exchange for his freedom.

St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun History

Leprechauns originated from Irish folklore and are commonly associated with St. Patrick’s Day. People say the original name of a leprechaun was “lobaircin,” meaning “small-bodied fellow”. The leprechaun has nothing to do with St. Patrick’s Day. Just because of his rooted history in Ireland leprechaun has become a part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to honor Irish unity and culture. 

Leprechaun Live by Mending the Shoes of ____ Fairies
  • A. Irish
  • B. Spanish
  • C. Russian
  • D. Portuguese

How Did the Leprechaun Myth Start?

Leprechaun is said to be a member of a fairy family. Their stories first originated in the 8th century. They dwell in tiny underground caves and hollow tree trunks and live there to hide from humans. Leprechaun prefers to be alone. 

Interesting Facts about Leprechaun

  • Leprechauns are magical creatures and said to be fairies
  • Leprechauns are sneaky creatures.
  • Leprechauns are both bankers and cobbler of the fairyland   
  • Leprechauns will barter his freedom for three wishes 
  • There are no female Leprechaun 
  • Leprechaun has a cousin called Clurichaun 
  • Some believe leprechauns live underwater 

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