Leprechauns, named after the Irish Gaelic word, "luchorpán," ("small body"), are actually part of the fairy family in Irish folklore. Their name is also associated with another old Irish term, "leath bhrogan," meaning "shoemaker." This profession is what earns them their iconic pots of gold, as they hide their earnings in a pot—yes, you guessed it—at the end of a rainbow.Related: 25 Printable Leprechaun Notes To Set Out for Your Kids on St. Patrick's Day
History and Origins of Leprechauns
The earliest mention of a leprechaun appears in the medieval tale known as the Echtra Fergus mac Léti (Adventure of Fergus, son of Léti). From there, the stories seem almost endless. If you catch a leprechaun, ask them to grant you three wishes. They might be seen dancing an Irish jig or playing an Irish harp, fiddle or tin whistle. They're legendary water-dwellers and always tiny—small enough to sit on one's shoulder.Speaking of stories, you can participate in one yourself. Visit a park in Carlingford Lough, County Louth, Ireland, on a Thursday, Saturday or Sunday, and go on a leprechaun hunt. There are rumored to be 236 leprechauns still living in Ireland. When in Dublin, visitors can check out a leprechaun museum, which provides tours and detailed information on leprechauns and Irish folklore throughout the ages.Related: 100 St. Patrick's Day Quotes To Channel the Luck of the Irish This March
What Do Leprechauns Look Like?
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It depends on which story you're reading. Early leprechauns were described as particularly monstrous, as well as house haunters and drunkards. Other tales have them deceiving humans—acting as moral lesson-givers against greed. Still, others have them granting captors three wishes but then leading them astray. Today, it varies. After all, you can even find leprechauns on cereal boxes, such as General Mills' "Lucky Charms," which seems harmless enough.Related: 35 St. Patrick's Day Nail Ideas To Get You in the Irish Spirit
How Long Do Leprechauns Live?
Interestingly enough, leprechauns have their own holiday in Ireland on May 13. Leprechauns are characters in folklore with no direct origin to St. Patrick's Day. But both are Irish. That's enough to include them in many St. Patrick's Day celebrations—alongside wearing green, having a parade, decorating with shamrocks and drinking beer (namely Harp or Guinness). Related: St. Patrick's Day Trivia
Are Leprechauns Real or a Myth?
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