Laura Fay: Leprechauns and Cultural Awareness

For St. Patrick’s Day, Laura Fay reflects on the stereotypes and cultural differences in celebrating the holiday.

The first time I heard from my six-year-old son about making Leprechaun traps for St. Patrick’s day, I did a double take. He enthusiastically embraced his school project, like any kid would, and yet it felt oddly uncomfortable to me.

I wondered how this 19th-century caricature and negative stereotype of the Irish – untrustworthy, devious and shrewd tricksters – perpetuated by the British and American leadership of the time – had become embodied in a game for kids in the 21st century?

Not wanting my discomfort to dampen my child’s excitement, I helped him with his elaborate craft project.

Then, I learned about another local experience that happens on St Partick’s day, about which I was also clueless. Apparently, leprechauns celebrate the day by visiting homes overnight, making a mess and hiding treasure.

“The leprechauns didn’t visit our house,” my son pronounced sadly when he saw no changes to his room that morning.

Thinking on my feet, I said “Well, the leprechauns are the Irish little people who might play games and tricks on others, but they’re very unlikely to play tricks on their own people.”
His little face beamed upon hearing this plausible explanation.

In Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, the country’s national holiday, there’s no tradition of making leprechaun traps and the little people aren’t known to pay home visits. Also, unlike here in America, the Irish don’t traditionally wear green or eat corned beef on the day.

Much like here though, there are plenty of parades and celebrations with family and friends.

I have learned to appreciate the many different St. Patrick’s Day customs of my adopted country. I’ve helped my kids understand their history, while embracing all that the present has to offer.

“Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh,” or in English, Happy St Patrick’s Day!
With a Perspective, I’m Laura Fay.

Laura Fay is a retired technology executive and author. She lives in Los Altos.