Some things you never knew about leprechauns

_Elsa_

Leprechauns have pretty much become the unofficial ambassadors of Ireland. But where do they actually come from? Do they look like the ones sported at St. Patrick’s parades around the world (and every tourist shop in Ireland)?  And most important of all, do the tiny Irishmen with their big hats, green jackets, and hidden gold pots actually exist?

• They owe their name to their tiny size - There are different theories regarding where the name leprechaun comes from, but the most popular belief is that it originates from the Middle Irish word lūchorpān—with lū meaning

• Leprechauns don’t actually wear green - Every kid can identify a leprechaun by its green clothes, red beard, and derby hat. But according to Legends and Stories of Ireland from 1831, the fairies dress in red! The author, Irish novelist Samuel Lover, describes them as wearing “a red square-cut coat, richly laced with gold and a cocket hat.”  So where do the green jacket and pants come from? While some believe leprechauns sport different colours according to their regions (including green), others joke the signature green simply matched the Irish shamrock better.

• You can’t ever trust them - Leprechauns look friendly and jovial and serve as unofficial ambassadors to Ireland these days. But you are still better off not laying your life in their hands. Legend says that leprechauns are sneaky trickster characters that should never be trusted, and they are pretty grumpy too.  Try to capture one or steal their hidden pot of gold, and they will play their tricks on you. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

• Leprechauns are always male - Ever wondered why all leprechauns are described and pictured as elderly men with beards? The somewhat sad reason is: There simply are no female leprechauns. According to ancient books like Fairy Legends and Traditions from the South of Ireland by Thomas Crofton Croker (published in 1825), there is no evidence of a female counterpart. We are not quite sure how the leprechauns managed to survive over all those years, but our guess is fairies just don’t rely on traditional procreation (or they simply live forever).’ (Source)

That’s it! Tiffi has read enough about the little people. 

Let’s continue - Tiffi shares what she saw in Bamboo Forrest 

Start at the beginning - Tiffi learns about the little people