Little Leprechauns + St. Patrick's Day Fun
- Jen Thompson
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Are you looking for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Or maybe you're just seeking a bit of fun with your wee little leprechauns for St. Patrick's Day. Well today is your lucky day to discover all things Irish and learn some surprising facts!
St. Patrick’s Day—observed every March 17—is packed with leprechaun lore, parades, good luck charms, and all things green. It started as a religious holiday, but over time it has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture.
Who was Saint Patrick?
Yes, St. Patrick was a real person, but some of the traditions associated with him and the holiday are actually myths. For example, you often see the four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day. However, according to legend, Patrick used a three-leaf clover, or shamrock, as part of his teachings. Even though it's possible for a shamrock to grow a fourth leaf, a four-leaf clover is just considered a symbol of good luck.
Another legend says that Patrick chased all the snakes out of Ireland. The problem? These creatures never actually lived in the country. In fact many animals found throughout Europe and North America don’t live on the island of Ireland—the ocean keeps the critters away.
So why do we wear green on St. Patrick's Day? Ireland is often called the Emerald Isle, but St. Patrick was originally associated with the color blue. Green became part of the festivities back in the 18th century, when the shamrock became a national symbol. Because of the shamrock’s popularity and Ireland’s landscape, the color stuck to the holiday. And let us not forget about the wee leprechauns! Leprechauns are actually one reason you are supposed to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day—or risk getting pinched! The tradition is tied to folklore that says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, which like to pinch anyone they can see. Some people also think wearing the color will bring good luck. What do you think?
How do you catch a leprechaun?
According to Irish lore, the first leprechaun was spotted in the 700s. They are described as tiny, mischievous bearded male fairies who love to wear green clothes and a top hat. They are known for their shoe making skills and guarding hidden pots of gold at the end of rainbows. Leprechauns are pranksters and enjoy playing jokes and tricks on people, especially children who try to trap them for their gold.
I highly recommend going to your local library and checking out some books to help you learn more about leprechauns and their magic. Here are a couple recommendations to get you started:
Leprechaun Traps 101
A leprechaun trap is kind of like the St. Patrick's equivalent of leaving out milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve....except you're trying to catch a woodland creature for their gold. Some very clever gold-seekers have come up with very genius ideas on how to get gold. Which one do you think will work? Try building a couple and find out. Don't forget to share the gold with me if it works! <wink>
This "free gold" leprechaun trap from One Little Project
This "Easy Hat" leprechaun trap from Easy Crafts for Kids
This "LEGO" leprechaun trap from Bright Color Mom
This "Classroom" trap from Simply Kinder is great for a group of leprechaun chasers
Don't forget to set your leprechaun trap the night before (March 16) St. Patrick's Day. A captured leprechaun will grant you three wishes or a gold coin to bribe his way to freedom. Beware of pranks being played if he escapes the trap when you wake up on St. Patrick's Day!
Time to Get Parade Fancy!
St. Patrick's Day isn't St. Patrick's Day without a hometown parade! Time to make some fun accessories to go with your lucky, gorgeous green attire. Remember, you don't want to get pinched by that leprechaun for not wearing green!
A little crown to rule the parade from Our Little House in the Country
Spot the leprechauns with leprechaun lookers from Views from a Step Stool
A rainbow +/or shamrock crown from B-Inspired Mama
And a shamrock wand to complete the look
How-to: use rainbow colors on a jumbo popsicle stick. Cut two shamrock shapes out of green construction paper. Cut a few strands of colorful ribbon. Glue the shamrocks to each side of the popsicle stick and the ribbon in-between the shamrocks.
Wishing you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!
An Irish blessing and wishes for you...
Lucky stars above you. Sunshine on your way. Many friends to love you. Joy in work and play. Laughter to outweigh each care. In your heart a song.
And gladness waiting everywhere, all your whole life long.
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