Today is National Leprechaun Day.

<a href="http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/lep.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2870" src="http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/lep.jpg?w=250" alt="lep" width="250" height="300" /></a>

No one knows the origins of the National Leprechaun Day holiday, but I’d be guessing one of the tiny creatures came up with the idea for a day in his honor. Being a bit Irish meself, I think it’s delightful that leprechauns have a day separate from St. Patrick’s Day.

Irish folklore portrays <a href="http://www.yourirish.com/folklore/the-leprechauns/">Leprechaun</a>s as sly and sneaky elves who dress in waistcoats and hats. While they are small in stature, they are quick as a whip and masters of practical jokes.

They are also keen musicians who play <a href="http://www.yourirish.com/tin-whistle" target="_blank">tin whistles</a>, the <a href="http://www.yourirish.com/irish-fiddle" target="_blank">fiddle</a>, and even the <a href="http://www.yourirish.com/harp" target="_blank">Irish Harp</a> and love to dance. Truth is, they love dancing so much, they wear out their shoes and constantly have to make new ones.

You might see a leprechaun if you go to Ireland. Tis been known to happen. But catching one of the mischievous pranksters is another matter entirely!

The wee people hide because, if someone finds a leprechaun, then the leprechaun has to either give his pot of gold to the finder or grant him or her three wishes.

The devious little creatures will do anything to escape from man so they should never be trusted. Some say angry leprechauns are more common than friendly ones. Not true. They tend to dislike humans because humans always seem to chase them for wishes and pots of gold.

If you do happen to catch one, be aware the leprechaun will use all his magical powers to grant you three wishes in return for his freedom. He might even offer you a pot of gold, but he’s also likely to trick you. Check here for tips on <a href="http://www.yourirish.com/how-to-catch-a-leprechaun" target="_blank">How to Catch a Leprechaun</a>.

Most people celebrate this day for fun and for luck. Activities include:
<ul>
	<li>organizing Leprechaun hunts,</li>
	<li>throwing Leprechaun parties,</li>
	<li>playing practical jokes, and</li>
	<li>eating and sharing gold foil wrapped chocolate coins</li>
</ul>
My suggestion to celebrate Leprechaun Day is watch this ten-minute video from the 1959 movie, <i>Darby O’Gill and the Little People</i>. I promise your toe will be tapping right along with their dancing. You’ll also catch a bit of Leprechaun craftiness.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a_yhkH5jjw&amp;w=420&amp;h=315]

In case you’re not into little green men, you can celebrate frogs because today is also <a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/May/frogjumpingday.htm" target="_blank">Frog Jumping Day</a>

You're choice.

Me, I'm celebrating National Leprechaun Day.