Ierse kabouter en patrick Day

Leprechauns average about three feet in height according to Irish folklore, but they will be larger than life this weekend, thanks to St. Patrick's Day.

The fact that the Irish-themed hangover holiday falls on a Sunday means people who usually pretend to be Irish for one day a year could stretch it out an extra 24 hours or so.

If you are one of those weekend warriors, it might be good to brush up on your leprechaun lore before you wear your green or spend your green.

Leprechaun tales date back to medieval times. The earliest story is about how the King of Ulster once fell asleep on the beach and wakes to find himself being dragged into the sea by three of the creatures. He captures his abductors, who grant him three wishes in exchange for release.

Prior to the 20th century, leprechauns were depicted wearing red, not green.

Leprechauns are allegedly excellent musicans and are known for throwing wild parties where hundreds get together to dance, sing and drink a form of moonshine called Poteen.

According to legend, leprechauns store their money in a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If ever captured by a human, the Leprechaun has the magical power to grant three wishes in exchange for their release.

An ancient book called "A History Of Irish Fairies" reveals that there are no evidence of there being a female leprechaun -- ever.

Leprechauns are actually protected from destruction under European law. The Sliabh Foy Loop trail in the town of Carlingford is the official protected land for the country’s 236 remaining living leprechauns.

Leprechaun," a 1993 horror movie is famous for having one of the creepiest leprechauns ever, and for being the film that Jennifer Aniston had to live down when she became famous on "Friends."

If you manage to catch a leprechaun, never take your eye off him or he will vanish. For its freedom, a captured leprechaun will grant you three wishes or a gold coin. However, there are stories of people whose wishes backfired or who went insane trying to decide how to best use their three wishes

Bron: The Huffington Post  |  By David Moye

Posted: 03/16/2013 9:12 am EDT

Noot; jaren geleden heb ik onderzoek gedaan in delen van Europa naar kabouters. Ik heb het verslag nooit gepubliceerd. Wil deze zomer in het Fichtelgebergte weer verdiepender onderzoek doen anar kabouters. Heb je belangstelling daarvoor laat het me weten.