I Spy, Little Green Men

As St. Patricks day draws closer, it brings to mind, little green men, not aliens, but leprechauns. Almost as mysterious as Bigfoot, UFO's, Lochness Monster, Ghosts or Paula Abdul, but I thought I'd look into the origin of leprechauns (also known as the little people). They apparently really do exist, as I found here. Seems as it began in Ireland over a thousand years ago. Irish folks have been reporting leprechaun sightings as far back as the 8th century. Folklore holds that leprechauns descend from Tuatha De Danna, the deities of early Ireland (or the early monarchy, depending on who you believe). Leprechauns are said to cause mischief, similar to the trickster in other mythological traditions across the world, and they are famous for their sprightliness and greediness. Recent leprechaun sightings have reported the description of the leprechauns as what you would you imagine from St. Patrick's Day parades and cartoons. In other words, leprechauns are small in stature and resemble an old man and are typically spotted wearing a green or red jacket to pay homage to their Irish heritage. Also, many of them are reported to have red hair and a beard. They do not talk much but depend mostly on gestures and movement to communicate. See you at the St. Patricks day Parade next weekend, where I'm sure our little grren friend will make an appearance in our broadcast booth, and on top of our van...again!