What is the “luck of the Irish”?

The “luck of the Irish” is one of those expressions that appears to express a positive sentiment, but is actually a back-handed compliment or maybe even a mild insult. It came to use in mid-19th century America when a lot of the people who struck it rich in the Gold Rush were of Irish descent. The phrase was used, somewhat pejoratively, to make the point that “dumb luck” (as opposed to skill or intelligence or perseverance) had to be the reason for an Irish person’s success. Over time, this idea that Irish people are “lucky” took hold.

What about Leprechauns? Aren’t they lucky?

A leprechaun is a type of fairy from Irish folklore. These magical beings are skillful in shoe repair and enjoy playing practical jokes on people.

The leprechaun is small in stature — maybe around 2-3 feet tall — and usually wears a top hat or derby and a coat with tails. Although they are commonly depicted with red beards, traditionally the leprechaun is clean-shaven. He usually wears green.

While most agree that there are no female leprechauns, the National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland in Dublin says that there are female leprechauns, but they are rare. The leprechaun also has a lesser-known cousin called the Clurichaun, which shares many traits with the Leprechaun, except that he is especially fond of booze. You can often find a Clurichaun in wine cellars that have been left unattended.

You may be able to find a leprechaun — and his pot of gold —- at the end of a rainbow. If you are able to capture a leprechaun, he is supposed to give you three wishes, but Leprechauns are devious and usually find a way to trick the wisher.

Despite (or maybe because of?) his surly attitude and nasty demeanor, the Leprechaun serves as the mascot of several sports teams, including the Boston Celtics and the University of Notre Dame’s “Fighting Irish.” When the latter came under fire for promoting ethnic stereotypes based on anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant bias, Notre Dame offered a full-throated defense of its use of the Leprechaun as a symbol of Irish Catholic pride.

For whatever reason, people tend not be too creative when naming Leprechauns. While Notre Dame’s mascot is nameless, the Celtics’ mascot is called “Lucky,” which also happens to be the name of the Leprechaun pitch man for Lucky Charms Cereal.

If you think Leprechauns live only in Ireland, you are wrong. In 2006, there was a famous Leprechaun sighting in Mobile, Alabama that was the subject of a news report that went viral. Click on the image of the Crichton leprechaun to watch the classic clip.

A woman opening the door of her cottage to a leprechaun who doffs his hat; after Eltze, illustration from 'Stories told to Child'. 1865, Wood-engraving. © The Trustees of the British Museum

The Crichton Leprechaun of Mobile, Alabama

Notre Dame’s “Fighting Irish” Leprechaun Mascot

“Lucky the Leprechaun,” mascot of the Boston Celtics