Leprechaun: The elf straight out of Irish folklores

If you ever get the chance to visit Ireland in the month of March, don’t let it slip by not only because it’s spring time, but also because you can witness a fascinating Irish celebration called St. Patrick’s Day. On this occasion, people dressed as leprechauns. Don’t know what leprechaun is? Well, worry not, we will tell you all about it. 

Leprechaun: The Irish mythical creature  
People in Ireland will tell you that no St. Patrick Day is complete with leprechauns. These are mythical creatures (elves to be specific) that come straight out of Irish fairy tales, folklores and legends. Here’s how they look: An all-green ensemble comprising of bodysuits, hats and buckled shoes with brown beard and a purse containing a shilling. In two words, you can describe them as snappy dressers. Okay, what else? They are known to have the knowledge of hidden treasures which they only reveal to those who can catch them. But are they easy to catch? Not at all. After all, they are slippery little creatures as evident from their name that is derived from an Irish word ‘leipreachan’ literally meaning small (‘lu’) body (‘corp’). Pictures of these make-believe creatures show them to be tiny enough to sit on human shoulder. Oh, their favourite foods include are corned beef and cabbage.  

Leprechauns are practical jokers 
For those who are familiar with these mythical elves, they know that leprechauns are known for being practical jokers. In fact, they love to play tricks on humans and are mostly depicted in tales as mischievous yet harmless. They are highly intelligent, something that is evident from their unique talent: Hunting four-leafed clovers (that are otherwise almost impossible to find!). But guess what? They are mostly solitary in nature  

Fun fact: Leprechauns are also gifted musicians and can play various traditional Irish instruments, such as tin whistles, fiddle and Irish harp.  

Leprechauns and their pots of gold 
If you have heard about leprechauns, chances are you also know about their association with pots of gold following a rainbow. As per Irish legends, leprechauns are shoemakers and only take gold coins in return, which they supposedly store in a hidden pot that only reveals itself after a rainbow. Maybe that’s why, generations of Irishmen have been known to chase rainbows in search of leprechauns and their gold. In fact, legends have it that if someone by chance manages to get hold of a leprechaun, it will grant them three wishes in return of its freedom. Sounds much like the genie from The Arabian Nights, isn’t it?