March’s First Snow Brings Shamrock Seeds For St. Paddy’s Day

You know it’s March because Seamus, Maine’s only Leprechaun, becomes a constant presence at The House on the Hill.

“It’s happenin’, Laddie,” he yelled as he barged into my home without knocking, trailing snow across my hardwood floor.  “Me heart is gonna pound right outta me chest.  The first snow of March is here!”

According Irish folk lore, and tales passed down by generations of Leprechauns, the first snow of March brings the shamrock seeds that will bloom just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

“It’s a combination of Leprechaun Magic and a miracle from St. Paddy himself,” Seamus explained when he finally settled down and caught his breath.  “Ever since I was a wee lad, knee high to a pot o’ gold, I’ve prayed for that first March snow so that the land will be overflowin’ with the green on St. Paddy’s special day.”

Considering how annoyingly white Maine has been for the past two months, even this Modern Philosopher was willing to believe in Leprechaun Magic this month.

“I know ya hate the snow, Austin, so ya might not share me excitement right now, but I wager ya will be dancin’ a jig on the seventeenth when the shamrocks magically appear,” Seamus assured me with a wink.  “Then, me friend, the power of Leprechaun Magic will be clear and real to ya.”

Seamus slammed his shillelagh hard against the living room floor to drive home his point, and both of my cats jumped.

“Yer little beasties will sit on their windowsills and watch in amazement as the shamrocks pop, pop, pop up out of the snow,” Seamus predicted.  “Ya got me word on that.”

Neither Cali nor Luna seemed impressed with Seamus’ boasts about Leprechaun Magic and the amazing powers of St. Patrick.  All they wanted was for the little man in the green suit to stop smashing his stick against the floor and interrupting their naps.

“I’m headin’ ‘cross the bridge now to talk to ya Witch friends,” Seamus informed me as he stood at the window and stared out at the snow.  He had an adorable little smile on his face and for once, he didn’t look like a holy terror.  “They’ll appreciate me tales of Leprechaun Magic.  I’m going to host me St. Paddy’s Day party at their pub.  For one day, they’re gonna change the name to Three Pints & A Charmin’ Leprechaun.”

It sounded perfect.  It was nice to see Seamus so happy and calm.  I know that planning his annual St. Patrick’s Day party makes him feel like he’s back in Ireland, and it eases his homesickness a wee bit.

So for one day, I can allow myself to not mind the snow.  After all, it’s magic snow, and it’s bringing the shamrocks to Maine…