Gold at the end of the rainbow?

A long time ago, in a small village in Ireland, people lived in close contact with nature. They firmly believed in magic and that tiny creatures lived in the woods and surrounding hills. The inhabitants called them leprechauns. These leprechauns were small, green men who always had a bowl of gold with them. But they were also clever enough to hide their treasure so that it wouldn't be stolen from them. They had chosen the end of the rainbow as a safe hiding place. But shh... don't tell anyone! 

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in Ireland every year on March 17. It is one of the most famous traditions in the country. If you want to know why the Irish celebrate this day in such a special way, you have to go back many, many years. It all started with a man called Patrick. He was not a native Irishman, he was from a faraway land. When he was still young, he was kidnapped by pirates and taken to Ireland. There he had to work as a shepherd. A very lonely job. He tried to overcome his loneliness with his faith and a lot of prayer. 

One night he had a strange dream. An angel appeared to him and told him to flee Ireland. After a moment's hesitation, he decided to go for it. He fled the island and returned to his old home. But even after many weeks and months, he never forgot the Emerald Isle. He had the feeling that he had let the people of Ireland down. He simply had to go back. 

Back in Ireland, he began to tell people about his religion and his love of nature. To better explain the meaning of the Trinity, he used a three-leaf clover. This is the reason why the shamrock is still an important symbol for the Irish. 

St. Patrick's Day is a joyous celebration today. People wear green clothing and shamrocks can be seen everywhere for good luck. Legend has it that if you catch a leprechaun on this special day, he will lead you to his treasure of gold. Unfortunately, no one has managed to do this yet.

Nevertheless, every time children in Ireland see a rainbow, they dream of the treasure at the end of it. And imagine the leprechaun hiding his pot of gold there.

Photocredits: Stevebidmead at Pixabay (public domain)