Calling all ‘little people’ (Mar. 17)

Although St. Patrick’s Day is technically a Catholic holiday, most of us simply use it as a day to indulge in all things Irish — food, beer, leprechauns … .  I’m not sure leprechauns and the other little people who inhabit Irish folk tales and legends inhabit my not-very-Irish yard in St. Louis, but I kind of like the thought of it.  That’s why I’m intrigued by the class “Feeding the Fey on St. Patrick’s Day” at Pathways 11419 Concord Village Avenue in South County on Monday (Mar. 17).  The description reads, “Join us as we help the Deva Kingdom prepare for Spring!  Learn the traditions of feeding the Fairies, the Fey Folk.  Learn what to look for and how to communicate with these beings.  Create an outdoor Fey altar and a Wishing Branch.  Learn how to invite the Fey to grace our space.” 

The Deva Kingdom is sometimes referred to as an angelic realm; it’s a common part of eastern religions and Christianity (although the word” deva” itself isn’t used in Christian stories; it’s the Sanskrit word for god or deity).  Because M. is the type of child who sets out Tic-Tacs for butterflies to eat, I know he will get into the idea of feeding fairies in our yard.  The class starts at 7 p.m. in the center’s rear parking lot, and participants are encouraged to wear bright clothes and shiny jewelry.  (If you don’t feel you have anything appropriate, you might want to stop into La Belle Histoire in Soulard, which is having a going-out-of-business sale — I’ll miss my local gypsy boutique!)

Admission to “Feeding the Fey” is $5; children 12 and under are free with an adult.  For details, call 314.842.0047 or visit the center’s Web site.