A Missed Fairy Tale, but March Makes It Right
Ah sure, I blinked and missed National Tell a Fairy Tale Day on February 26th. But since March is the month when the entire world suddenly discovers a long-lost Irish granny, I think I can still get away with telling a fairy tale—one deeply rooted in Irish tradition, mischief, and the undeniable power of "the good people" otherwise known as the "little people" to shape the land (and our infrastructure) whether we like it or not.
The Fairies: Architects of Chaos and Country Roads
In Ireland, if you see a road that takes an unnecessary and highly inconvenient detour around a single, gnarled tree in the middle of nowhere, chances are, you’re looking at fairy handiwork. Builders, engineers, and farmers have long known better than to interfere with fairy property—lest they wish to spend the rest of their lives plagued by misfortune, unexplained mischief, or, at the very least, mysteriously misplaced keys.
Ring forts, ancient hawthorn trees, and little scrub-filled patches of land remain untouched because, well, nobody wants to risk upsetting "the little people." Farmers would sooner let good land go to waste than face their wrath. Even Ireland’s first President, Douglas Hyde, along with literary giants like W.B. Yeats and Samuel Beckett, took fairy matters quite seriously. And if it was good enough for Yeats, it’s good enough for us.
Irish Fairy Superstitions: FEed Them Well or Face the Consequences
Fairies aren’t just property protectors; they’re also absolute fiends for a good treat. In days gone by, it was customary to leave out offerings of milk and butter to keep them happy. If you were really looking to stay on their good side, you might even throw in some honey, fresh bread, fruit pies, or a dollop of jam.
It just so happens that our Gluttony Candles lineup boasts scents that fairies (and humans) would find irresistible. Honey Lavender? A dream for nectar-loving fae. Blueberry Muffin? Exactly the sort of thing a sweet-toothed sprite would pilfer off a windowsill. Vanilla Cupcake? Say no more—every fairy in the land would be lining up for a sniff of that one. If you want to keep your home fairy-friendly, lighting one of these might just be the modern equivalent of leaving out an offering.
The Fairies' Love of the Drink (Sure, Who Can Blame Them?)
It’s a well-known fact that fairies have a taste for fermented beverages. Mead, wine, sweet liqueurs—anything that might lead to a bit of revelry. The first glass of poitín from a fresh batch? Always reserved for the fairies and yes an Irish Fairy superstition. This was less about generosity and more about self-preservation. You’d rather have the fairies onside than waking up to find your cows in the neighbor’s field or your best pair of boots mysteriously filled with bog water.
Now, I’ll admit that our White Tea candle might not exactly be their idea of a wild night out, but if they have a refined side, perhaps they’ll appreciate its delicate, calming aroma. For those fairies who are more partial to the old-world luxuries, the soothing scent of Sage & Rosemary could be just the thing to keep them content.
Mind Your Manners (and Your Water Throwing!)
If you think fairy belief is a thing of the past, think again. Just two generations ago, Irish people still shouted a warning before tossing water out the door, lest they accidentally drench a passing fairy and invite a lifetime of bad luck. And while modern technology may have given us scientific explanations for strange occurrences, the little people still have a say in the Irish landscape, our traditions, and—let’s be honest—our superstitions.
So, next time you find yourself in the presence of a winding road, an untouched ring fort, or an inexplicably stubborn hawthorn tree, know that you’re in fairy country. And if you’d like to ensure that the good people stay on your side, maybe light a Honey Lavender or Blueberry Muffin candle, leave out a bit of butter, and, for the love of all things Irish, don’t go meddling with their land.
Now, who’s ready for a wee nip of poitín?
March is here, bringing leprechaun mischief, fairy whispers, and a whole lot of people suddenly remembering their Irish roots! Have you ever had a fairy-related superstition passed down in your family? Or perhaps an unexplained bit of mischief that could only be the work of “the little people”?
Share your stories in the comments—we’d love to hear them! And while you’re at it, why not light a Honey Lavender or Blueberry Muffin candle to keep the fairies (and yourself) happy?
Shop now before the little tricksters snatch them up! 🍀✨
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