Every March, people around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades, street parties, festivals, sing-alongs, arts exhibitions, and yes, green rivers (such as the Chicago River, dyed green with what’s essentially food coloring). What began as a feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has evolved into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and heritage—and it’s hard to resist the temptation to look for a lucky four-leaf clover come St. Patrick’s Day.

leprechaun

Leprechauns originated in Irish folklore, but they’ve become a famous symbol all over the world. A leprechaun is a dwarf or sprite, often depicted as “a little old man who will reveal the location of a hidden crock of gold to anyone who catches him.” Though leprechauns are usually seen as joyful or mischievous, some representations of leprechauns feature offensive stereotypes that should be avoided. For example, the University of Notre Dame’s “fighting Irish” leprechaun has been voted one of the most offensive mascots in US sports

luck

If you’ve ever searched for a four leaf clover, then you know a little something about the supposed link between Irish culture and luck. Luck is “the force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person’s life,” and many people believe Irish symbols, particularly those seen on St. Patrick’s Day, have a special ability to attract good luck. Maybe you’ve heard the phrase the luck of the Irish? This phrase is considered a cliché and is mostly only used in the US, but it’s an example of just how common it is to think Irish culture is imbued with potent powers of good luck.