National Leprechaun Day – May 13, 2027

History of National Leprechaun Day

The origin of National Leprechaun Day is unknown. However, the legend of leprechauns supposedly emerged during the 8th century when tales about tiny water-inhabitants began to spread among the Celts. The word ‘leprechaun’ is said to be derived from the old Irish word ‘lúchorpáin,’ meaning “little body” or ‘lobaircin,’ which means “small-bodied fellow.” According to Irish folklore, a leprechaun is a supernatural being, fairy, sprite, pixie, or pygmy, often portrayed as a short, mischievous, red-bearded old man in a green coat and hat.

A leprechaun is also believed to possess a pot of gold which can be found at the end of a rainbow. However, they are solitary creatures who spend their time cobbling shoes, playing pranks, and dancing the jig. In the past, leprechauns were believed to wear red clothing. This all changed when poet William Allingham wrote a poem about a leprechaun dressed in green. They are believed to carry around a tiny hammer for shoe-making, the sound of which can be heard tap-tapping nails into a shoe.

Several superstitions abound concerning the leprechaun’s pot of gold. Some believe that if a human catches a leprechaun, the creature will have to surrender its gold. Another belief is that rather than hand it over, the leprechaun will reveal the hiding place of the pot of gold unless it can trick the human and vanish. Several parks and museums around the world are dedicated to leprechauns, such as the Leprechaun Park in Oregon, U.S., Leprechaun Cavern in Carlingford, Ireland, and Leprechaun Museum in Dublin, Ireland.