We intended to write about the Luck of the Irish, but apparently it is just a lot of malarkey... it isn't even found in Wikipedia. So with that said, we directed our focus on other Irish folklore, seeing as how March is Irish Heritage Month. And not wanting to leave anything of importance out, we decided to do a summary of the Irish folklore listed above. And besides...
If you're lucky enough to be Irish,
you're lucky enough! ~Irish Saying
... those mythical rascally little old men dressed in green who are up to no good; that is, creating as much mischief as they can dreamup. Some folks say it's the leprechauns who turn the Chicago River green on St. Patrick's Day every year.
Commonly known to be shoemakers (a derivative of the word leprechaun), Irish folklore has it that leprechauns are quite rich and horde their gold in crocks buried in the ground or hollows in the trees. According to more Irish folklore, if anyone keeps an eye fixed upon a leprechaun, he cannot escape, but the moment the gaze is withdrawn, poof! he vanishes.
Shamrocks - a part of Irish folklore
This is a three-leafed Irish clover and the symbol of Ireland that was formerly used for medicinal purposes. It is also used as an emblem for sports, organizations, and a visual identification of Irish troops serving abroad. The shamrock was a popular motif during the Victorian Age and is commonly associated with St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17th. The rare four-leafed clovers are said to bring good luck. Perhaps this is where the "luck of the Irish" got it's roots.
The Blarney Stone and Irish folklore
Not to be outdone by the shamrock, kissing the blarney stone endows the kisser with the gift of gab. In every day usage it has come to mean clever, flattering, or coaxing talk.
If visiting the local pub on St. Patty's day isn't your style:
Have a bingo party
Serve...
Green punch
Pretzels
Green mints
And what would an article about Irish Folklore be without giving honorable mention to Irish tenors and Irish ditties. So here's a toast to Danny Boy, Molly Malone, and all you laddies and lassies in a buzzing kids world: Bless your little Irish heart -- and every other Irish part. ^.^
Irish Folklore Toasts
Cheers
Green Party Punch
May the luck of the Irish
Lead to happiest heights
And the highway you travel
Be lined with green lights.
Wherever you go and
whatever you do,
May the luck of the Irish
be there with you.
Combine in large punch bowl:
2 liters ginger ale
1 lg. container frozen lemonade
1 lg. can pineapple juice (chilled)
1 qt. lime sherbet
Stir together. The lime sherbet melts and makes a
milky green punch with foam on top.
Well! Seems we found the Luck of the Irish in Irish folklore, after all. Cheers, everybody! ^.~