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Pinch! This is what you might get if you are not wearing something green today! People from many different countries are putting on their green shirts, jackets, and hats and are going out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Do you know in what country this holiday originated? This country is surrounded by water and is filled with beautiful green hills and valleys. Ireland is the place where St. Patrick’s Day began and where the most celebrating occurs on this day. There are many legends and superstitions that originated in Ireland and are thought to be associated with this holiday. Leprechauns and the history of the Blarney Stone both originated in Ireland, however, they have nothing to do with holiday of St. Patrick’s Day.

Have you ever thought that you saw a little man with a cocked hat and pointed shoes out of the corner of your eye? And then when you turned to look at him he was gone! Irish legend says that leprechauns live among the people in the hills and valleys. They generally stand no more than two feet high and are shoemakers by trade. Most of them live alone and are very aloof and unfriendly. You will always find them dressed in green clothing because it is the color of the grass and the bushes and they can easily hide from humans.

Leprechauns also keep a pot of gold hidden in the countryside. They keep this gold as payment in case they are captured by a human. They are, however, very quick so this rarely happens. So keep your eye open and look under moving bushes. You might just find a leprechaun in hiding. If you are lucky enough to find one they will have to lead you to their hidden pot of gold. But, keep a close watch on them as they are very cunning and quick and will escape before you blink an eye!

The Blarney Stone is a large stone that is set in the wall of the Blarney tower in the Irish village of Blarney. Legend says that an old woman cast a spell on the stone as a gift to the king who saved her from drowning. Anyone who kisses the stone is believed to receive the power to speak sweetly and convincingly to anyone. People are still kissing this same Blarney Stone today!