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Monday, February 19th 2007

3:52 PM

Leprechauns

With St. Patrick's Day around the corner, let's talk about those spritely old men called

Leprechauns!

Video: TV News coverage of Leprechaun sighting in Mobile, Alabama

In Irish mythology, a leprechaun is a male faery that is a shoemaker or cobbler by trade. Today they are considered to be dressed in green, but in earlier accounts in the 1800s they were said to prefer red coats. (I guess they were too easy to spot, so they changed to green to blend in with all the shamrocks!)

Although they are a fairy, they prefer to keep to themselves and don't socialize with other fairies. But, when called upon to converse with humans they enjoy the opportunity to prove their cunning in outsmarting them, especially if it requires a little blarney.

It is said that if you see a leprechaun as long as you keep your eyes fixed upon him, he can't get away. This gives you the opportunity to interrogate him and discover where he has hidden his pot of gold. He will try to trick you into looking the other way, and once you do he will disappear.

Due to their grouchy, mischevious ways Hollywood has created a serious of horror movies based on the idea of an evil leprechaun. Here are their titles:

While you're watching your horrorfest, why not don a leprechaun tee to add to the fun. Here are our suggestions, varying from scary to cute to funny:

Leprechaun Crossing Caution Sign

It's that time of year when leprechauns are afoot. . . or maybe even driving, like this fellow transporting his gold. Better warn the general public with this caution sign tee at St. Pat's.

Available in baby, kids t-shirt & adult t-shirts.

St. Patty's

Official Smiley Central St. Patty's tee with Irish smiley face with hat & shamrock.

Golf, Then Beer

Here's a little leprechaun that loves to golf - and also loves to have a beer on the 19th hole! Great gift for the duffer.

Got Gold?

Are you a treasure hunter? Do you love gold? If you catch a leprechaun you can make him give you his hoard of gold coins. When you ask this fellow got gold? he doesn't look too happy!

Evil Leprechaun Danger Sign

You've seen those horror movies with evil leprechauns wreaking havoc. This St. Patrick's Day wear this Danger Sign warning people that you're one & need to be sedated with green beer!

Cute Leprechaun

Here's a fun tee for the whole family on St. Patrick's Day featuring a cute leprechaun smoking a pipe.

Can't Sleep. Leprechauns Will Eat Me.

You were worried about Clowns until you saw the St. Patrick's Day horror movies with the evil leprechauns. Now . . . I Can't Sleep. Leprechauns will eat me.

Leprechaun Penguin

Everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day, even penguins! Here's a cute Leprechaun Penguin with his pot of gold & rainbow.

O Danny Boy

This leprechaun is singing the old Irish favorite, O Danny Boy, a song that tugs at the hearts strings of everyone with a bit of Ireland coursing thru their veins!