How to Catch a Leprechaun - a St. Patrick's Day Get Rich Quick Scheme

To successfully catch a Leprechaun and take all his money, you must first understand a bit about these little guys.

Leprechauns are diminutive and clever sprites; they live in farmhouses or - if they are lucky (which of course, Leprechauns usually are) - they live in wine cellars. The principal career for a Leprechaun is that of a fairy cobbler. See, it's the Leprechauns' responsibility to make shoes for elves. These wizened-looking, wee men are frequently found in an intoxicated state, caused by a special and very secret green-colored Leprechaun home-brew. Smart little fellows, these fairies never become so drunk that the hand which holds the hammer becomes unsteady, affecting their shoemaker's work. But they are quick to indulge in liquid green goodness.

Catching a Leprechaun is one way to get rich quick. And since these fairies are out in abundance around St. Patrick's Day, the time is ripe to sack a sprite.

Here's what you'll need for this money-making adventure:
- St. Patrick's Day luck
- Quiet shoes
- Night vision
- These incredibly helpful and wonderfully written instructions

Here's how to embark on this get rich quick scheme:
Look for a two-foot tall, gruff man wearing a green coat, a green hat, and a shoemaker's apron. Don't be fooled, though. Sometimes these clever fairy rascals try to throw you off track. As apposed to appearing gruff and wizened, Leprechauns may take on the image of a merry little fellow gaily dressed in old-fashioned green clothes, with a red cap, leather apron, and buckled shoes. Stay open minded.

Follow rainbows and the sound of a shoemaker's hammer. Due to their thrifty nature, Leprechauns are trusted to guard the fairy treasures. They hide their pots of gold very carefully so you've got to be sharp. Rainbows and the sound of a shoemaker's hammer are your greatest clues to finding one of these sprites; these powerful visual and auditory cues will help determine the whereabouts of a Leprechaun and his hidden treasure. Remember, it's the money, the gold, the treasure that we seek. Look and listen.

Proceed with great caution. This is very important. Leprechauns tend to avoid contact with humans. Truth be told, they regard us as foolish, flighty and greedy creatures. It IS possible to score a Leprechaun's treasure (usually a pot of gold) IF you successfully catch one, which is extremely difficult. These wee ones are smart. Approach quietly, make no sudden movements. It may help to act a bit drunk, maybe even stumble slightly. He may appreciate the smell of green beer on your breath. In any case, smile widely.

Carefully approach the little fairy. According to legend, if a Leprechaun is caught he will try to outsmart you. Be on guard. He will probably promise you great wealth if allowed to go free. Beware, he carries two leather pouches. In one there is a silver shilling, a magical coin that returns to the purse each time it is paid out. In the other he carries a gold coin which he uses to try and bribe his way out of difficult situations. He will probably try to give you the gold coin. Maintain your cool; this coin usually turns to leaves or ashes once the Leprechaun has parted with it. Try to talk him into the silver shilling or, better, to the entire pot of gold. During this important transaction you must never take your eye off the fairy cobbler, for he can vanish in an instant. Stay sharp.

Set your calendar, now is the time to find these illusive elves.

Start chasing those rainbows.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

NB: There are no female Leprechauns - I have no idea where baby Leprechauns come from.

Sources:
Imagination and the desire to get rich quick
Ireland's Eyes Website
Encyclopedia Mythica