The Leprechaun is an Irish fairy and he looks like a small, old man (about 2 feet tall), often dressed like a shoemaker, with a cocked hat and a leather apron.  According to legend, leprechauns are unfriendly, live alone, and pass the time making shoes. They also possess a hidden pot of gold.

Treasure hunters can often track down a leprechaun by the sound of his shoemaker's hammer. If caught, he can be forced (with the threat of bodily violence) to reveal the whereabouts of his treasure, but the captor must keep their eyes on him every second. If the captor's eyes leave the leprechaun (and he often tricks them into looking away), he vanishes and all hopes of finding the treasure are lost.

The Leprechaun by Robert Dwyer Joyce (1830-83) In a shady nook one moonlit night, A leprahaun I spied In scarlet coat and cap of green, A cruiskeen by his side. 'Twas tick, tack, tick, his hammer went, Upon a weeny shoe, And I laughed to think of a purse of gold, But the fairy was laughing too. With tip-toe step and beating heart, Quite softly I drew night. There was mischief in his merry face, A twinkle in his eye; He hammered and sang with tiny voice, And sipped the mountain dew; Oh! I laughed to think he was caught at last, But the fairy was laughing, too. As quick as thought I grasped the elf, "Your fairy purse," I cried, "My purse?" said he, "'tis in her hand, That lady by your side." I turned to look, the elf was off, And what was I to do? Oh! I laughed to think what a fool I'd been, And, the fairy was laughing too.

The Jig's Up The leprechauns are laughing For their day is finally here The legends and the folklore Seep through the atmosphere The dancers are all ready An Irish jig is in the air The walls of the pubs are bursting There is not an empty chair As the night becomes the morning, The barman leads the song From Danny Boy to Irish Eyes The serenade goes on. Then a husky voice is heard to say Make this your final stein For St. Patrick's day is over At it's time Gentlemen it's time.

Happy St Patrick's Day
HOME         HEM

© Ulla-Jane - 2002