NATIONAL LEPRECHAUN DAY
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The word Leprechaun comes from an old Irish word meaning small boy: luchorpán. This is fitting because according to legend there are only male Leprechauns. Since they are magic, we don’t have to worry about how more leprechauns appear. Leprechauns get their magic from the Fairy world. They are mythical beings who originally resided in Ireland long before humans did.
Research by historians suggests that Leprechauns wore red, not green, in the early days of their existence. Perhaps red was worn long before the clever fairies had to hide from humans. The switch to green was made so they were hard to detect among the clover! What do you think?
There isn’t a clear founder for National Leprechaun Day, perhaps the little leprechauns themselves created it to give us another chance at finding their gold!
Some Fun Facts about Leprechauns
- The National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin, Ireland, is dedicated to the folklore and mythology of Ireland.
- Legends associated with leprechauns date back as far as the 8th century.
- Leprechauns love to dance the jig and wear out our shoes very quickly. That’s not a problem because Leprechauns are cobblers or shoemakers. They always carry a tiny hammer for shoemaking.
- If you want to try and find a Leprechaun, look near rabbit holes, or old tree stumps. Those in the Fairy world live in deep underground caves and that is how they hide the entrances.
- In 2010 under the European Habitats Directive, The Slieve Foy Loop Trail, near the Carlingford Mountains was declared a protected area, and home to the 236 remaining Leprechauns in Ireland. The directive is designed to protect flora, fauna, and, magical fairies for sure! When you visit you will see the sign reminding you to walk carefully due to the Leprechaun population!
- In Portland Oregon, there is a park dedicated to Leprechauns. Mill Ends Park contains one tiny tree.
- Even Disneyland has its own Leprechaun. He lives in the Tree just outside The Indiana Jones Ride.
You can celebrate NATIONAL LEPRECHAUN DAY by:
Creating an area in your yard to invite fairies and leprechauns to live.
- Host an Irish dance party and teach kids traditional Irish dances like the jig or reel. Encourage them to dress up in green or Irish-inspired clothing.
- Create Leprechaun-inspired arts and crafts like making a Leprechaun hat or painting a rainbow.
- Irish Food Tasting: Have kids try traditional Irish foods like Irish soda bread, corned beef, and cabbage. You can also have them make their own shamrock-shaped cookies.
- Movie Night: Watch movies like “The Secret of Kells” or “Song of the Sea,” which are animated movies inspired by Irish mythology and folklore.
- Storytime: Read books about Irish mythology and folklore, including stories about Leprechauns, fairies, and other mythical creatures.
Some other resources for National Leprechaun Day:
Colossal Questions explores – Are Leprechauns Real?
Art for Kids Hub – How to Draw a Leprechaun
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