My wife gave me Irish Cream flavored creamer in my coffee this morning. Her cup was adorned with shamrocks. Also, for those who didn't know, Annette's maiden name is Ireland. Really, that's about all I have to say about Saint Patrick's Day. However I do recall a story by my Grandfather. I'll share with you here.
The Inside Story
By
Kai E. E. Theilade
Having just celebrated Saint Patrick's Day, I was surprised to find that few people know just how the Leprechaun happened to be. Therefore, I feel that I should tell you this factual story of a forgotten people.
The story starts in our beautiful Hawaiian Islands. There, as you undoubtedly know, grow flowers that are found nowhere else on the planet. Many things in the islands have double names - such as muu muus that pass for a loose dress and much like Washington's Walla Walla that means 'lots of water'.
Well, on a recent trip to the islands I spent some time on the island of Kuai - which is known as the 'garden island' as more flowers are there than anywhere else. On the island it is a place called the 'The Menehune Ditch'. Wondering about this ditch, I followed a narrow road up into the hills to see what I could find.
The road lead well backed into a canyon at the foothills of the island's central mountain (which has the distinction of being the wettest spot on earth). Here starts what is a hand built ditch, or flume, to carry the water to the lower reaches of the island.
While wandering about in the canyon, I came upon a natural bower of flowers I had not seen before. I was so engrossed I had not heard the approach of a very tiny lady dressed in a gown of flowers. She informed me that she was princess Hui Hui - which means 'Princess of the Flowers' in Hawaiian. I had heard of the Menehunies -as, of course, have you- but this was my first contact with a real live one: and a princess at that! She told me many things about the island, their flowers, and their formation. This is the information she shared:
"This island was the first of this island group that God made. As it was a very small island, it was only fitting that He should make the people small also. As everyone must have a purpose in life, He gave them the task of planting flowers. First the seeds would be cared for in the nurseries and these, of course, had to have water. Thus the ditch was built to carry the water to the nursery.
"Each group of Menehunies had a specific flower to care for. One day, one of the groups had gone out to do the planting, when they noticed the sails of a ship. As they watched the ship drop anchor in a cove they became very curious about it. They found a way to get out to the ship and get aboard. While looking it over, the ship got underway. They and their precious seeds were forced to hide on board the ship.
"Many days they sailed. Eventually the ship came of the coast of Ireland. The seas were very rough and the ship floundered on the rocks off the Irish coast. The Menehunies managed to get ashore with their bag of seeds by riding a broken mast. There in Ireland they were welcomed by the natives and were assured a happy home. But, since the Irish could not remember the name 'Menehune' they simply call them little people - which in Irish is 'Leprechaun'.
"Oh yes! The bag of seeds contained those of the Shamrock. That is why they only grow in Ireland".
I thanked Princess Hui Hui for telling me the true story of the little people. As I left, she gave me this small gold ring which I still treasure.
The End
