Leprechauns
are synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day and Irish Folklore. The word itself means
pygmy or little person.
They are said to be solitary mischievous fairies that
take the form of a bearded old man, usually wearing a green coat and top hat.
This is the most popular description of these creatures but according to
different regions of Ireland, Leprechaun appearances vary. For example, in
Northern Ireland they wear red coats, white pants and a pointed hat. In other regions they have a sword or use
their hat as a weapon. Legend has it they are greedy little shoemakers who like
to hide their gold coins in pots at the end of a rainbow. If one is caught, they must give the captor
their pot of gold. In American culture, St. Patrick’s Day is observed by
drinking heavily, pub crawls, fist fights and a reason to just act like a crazy
Leprechaun. Being Irish doesn’t even matter to partake in this holiday’s
activities. To some, Leprechauns are
considered to be alcoholic tyrants that cannot control their behavior once they
are inebriated. That must be why people who observe this holiday in a drunken
stupor justify their behavior once they recover from a massive hangover.
In
Second Life, St Patrick’s Day is observed with clover adorned decorations,
treasure hunts, parties and dressing in green. The SL Enquirer observes this
holiday by searching for Leprechauns and harassing them for fun. Lanai Jarrico
has some Irish in her and sees Leprechaun hunting as a sport. She goes hard at
it usually after a few green beers and a buzz.
Interview
with a Leprechaun