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Leprechauns
The original Irish name for these figures of folklore is "lobaircin," meaning "small-bodied fellow." Belief in leprechauns probably stems from Celtic belief in fairies, tiny men and women who could use their magical powers to serve good or evil. In Celtic folktales, leprechauns were cranky souls, responsible for mending the shoes of the other fairies. Though only minor figures in Celtic folklore, leprechauns were known for their trickery, which they often used to protect their much-fabled treasure. 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.
The original Irish name for these figures of folklore is "lobaircin," meaning "small-bodied fellow." Belief in leprechauns probably stems from Celtic belief in fairies, tiny men and women who could use their magical powers to serve good or evil. In Celtic folktales, leprechauns were cranky souls, responsible for mending the shoes of the other fairies. Though only minor figures in Celtic folklore, leprechauns were known for their trickery, which they often used to protect their much-fabled treasure. 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.
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Re: Leprechauns
Wed, March 17, 2004 - 8:15 PMA common symbol of St. Patrick's Day is the shamrock, which is the plant that Patrick supposedly used to explain the Christian concept of the Trinity to pagans. Another familiar symbol of the holiday is the leprechaun, which originates from the old Irish word "lurchorpan" meaning "little man." The legend behind the little man reveals that each one has a pot of gold. If a person manages to catch one of these mischievous creatures, the leprechaun must grant him three wishes. However, if the captor glances away from the leprechaun, it will escape.
Another possible origin of the leprechaun relates back to the Euro-Celtic sun god, Lugh (pronounced "Luck"). Lugh was an extremely important figure to the Euro-Celts, and many European cities were named after him, including London, Leon and Lyons.
