Of Leprechauns and Shamrocks

Of Leprechauns

A leprechaun is an Irish fairy, standing about 2 ft. tall and almost in all instances is not pleasant to look at. He is envisioned as a red-bearded old man who dresses and works as a cobbler/shoe maker. Originally these mythical creatures dressed in red and wore cocked hats and leather aprons. Today, they wear green and tall hats. Legend dictates that leprechauns are aloof and unfriendly; live alone, and pass the time making shoes. Leprechauns possess a hidden pot of gold and treasure hunters who are fortunate enough to catch one, can force him to reveal the whereabouts of his treasure. But the captor must keep his eyes on the leprechaun every second (he's very skilled at tricking his captor into looking away) as the leprechaun can vanish in an instant and hope of finding the treasure is lost. They are also said to be grantors of three wishes, but again you have to capture one and hold him first.

Of Shamrocks

A shamrock is a 3-leaved clover commonly known as a symbol of Ireland. It comes from one of two species: the Trifolium dubuim or the Trifolium repens. Clover is an herb and the white and and red clover is traditionally used for its medicinal purposes. It was also a popular victorian motif.

The shamrock, once called a seamroy, was believed to have been considered sacred by the Druids; however it remains unverified.

The legend behind the shamrock is related to St. Patrick and his religious teachings. Preaching in the open air on the doctrine of the trinity, he is said to have illustrated the existence of the Three in One, by plucking a shamrock from the grass which was growing at his feet and showing it to his congregation. It is also connected to a legend connected to the banishment of a serpent tribe from Ireland by a tradition that snakes are never seen on the trefoil and that is is a remedy against the strings of snakes and scorpions.

Disclaimer: The images with the exception of the theme buttons are believed to be in the public domain. If the artist does come forth, however, credit will be given or removed as desired.