LIZZY DERMODY
PHOTOGRAPHER
This Wednesday celebrates the 390th St. Patrick’s Day, with the earliest known celebration being held on March 17, 1631 along with history dating the holiday back more than 1,500 years. As many already know, common symbols of this Irish holiday include the shamrock, the leprechaun, rainbows, pots of gold and, of course, the color green. Many of these symbols originated from Irish myths and religion. For example, the shamrock was a sacred plant that symbolized the arrival of spring, according to the Celts. But one symbol has an interesting and fun history, earning them their own holiday on March 13th – the leprechaun. Leprechauns are likely based on Celtic fairies, which are small bodied men and women who use magic for good and bad. Usually, these “fairies” were depicted as cranky old beings responsible for mending the shoes of the other fairies while using trickery to get the “pot of gold”. So remember to where green on Wednesday to show support for the “little guys”!
