Q: Irish-American. I'm happy to be Irish but I'm a complete abstainer. Why can't I find any leprechauns in the stores that don't look drunk? There is a lot more to being Irish than booze-hounding around! There's lots of wonderful values that come out of Celtic culture. How can I reflect this?
A: Celebrate by using the other symbols of Ireland...the shamrock, the Brigid's Cross, the Harp, the rainbow and a pot of gold. There are many images out there of leprachauns who aren't drunk...go on the internet for some...there is also the great Celtic knotworks, etc. Where green, give away shamrocks, invite someone you don't know well to lunch (the Irish are great on hospitality). In Ireland, this day is one of prayer, and pilgrimage NOT raucous drunkeness!