Fairies in Ireland (the aos sidhe) were also said to enjoy eating honey, as well as drinking the nectar from flowers as fairy wine. Honey is a traditional food to leave as an offering for the fae.
Fairy food in traditional lore is primarily local, symbolic and functional: dairy, bread/cakes, fruit, honey, mushrooms and intoxicants recur as staples, with the act of eating often carrying moral or supernatural consequences (time-sense changes, binding, or protection).
They would leave offerings of milk, honey, and flowers at the base of the trees, tying or leaving personal effects seeking blessings for fertility, protection, and good fortune. According to the folklore, women were often the mediators between the human world and the realm of the fairies.
Effort is made by those who believe to appease local aos sí through food and drink. The custom of offering milk and traditional foods—such as baked goods, apples or berries—to the aos sí has survived through the Christian era into the present day in parts of Ireland, Scotland and the diaspora.
The offering of milk is authentic, for the fairies' love of dairy products is well known, and the hollowed rock also fits with tradition (although often it was milk and beer that were poured into cup-shaped stones as offerings to the fairy folk.)
In the Disney film Maleficent, the title character reveals early on that iron is lethal to fairies, and that the metal burns them on contact.
Never, ever accept a gift from a Fey.
And never, ever verbally say thank you for a gift. It implies that the receiver owes them something, like a food, your firstborn, or a favor (no matter how deranged).
The fairies want to know who you are, which will build rapport and trust with them. Proclaim your belief in their presence by stating, “I believe.” This declaration establishes clear trust. Skepticism and doubt are restrictive energies. Sing, laugh, and be merry.
By tradition the best time for seeing fairies is the twighlight and midnight when the moon is full.
Cheerful, prank-loving leprechauns are beloved symbols of luck and prosperity in Ireland and for the millions of Americans with Irish roots. But centuries-old legends about the diminutive shoemaking creatures painted them differently, as mischievous and sometimes menacing tricksters.
The Tuatha de Danann used their innate magic to become the Sidhe (pronounced Shee)—today known as the “fairies, “little people,” or the “wee folk. “
In Irish mythology and folklore, our warnings about the Fairies are rooted in respect and caution. One of the most prevalent pieces of advice is to avoid disturbing the Sidhe's dwelling places. These include fairy forts, roads, fields, trees, rings, and mounds known as a rath or a lios.
Leave offerings: Fairies are said to appreciate gifts and offerings. Leave small trinkets like crystals, shells, or pretty stones around your home or garden as a sign of goodwill. Create a fairy circle: A fairy circle is a ring of mushrooms that is said to be a portal to the fairy world.
Sparkle Kitchen: What Earth Fairies Eat
Fairies want breeding stock or human lovers
The fairies definitely seemed to look at some humans as potential mates and lovers. In many Rumpelstiltskin-type tales, instead of trying to steal a baby, the fairylike helper wants the woman to become his wife and live with him underground, in Fairyland or Hell.
If you find yourself in trouble with faery folk use iron. Iron is their one true weakness. Cold iron can be used to trap or do physical harm to a fairy.
In the old stories this phrasing only meant that you accidentally revealed your full name to the Folk and thereby gave them power over you. With your name they could enchant or lure you, they might even be able to influence your behavior. When you know someone's name you have a certain measure of power over them.
They're very appreciative of gifts, which are really offerings. They love music, They love flowers. They mostly like pretty shiny objects such as gems, pennies, jewels, pearls, beads, crystals, shells, feathers, pinecones. Most of all the fairies LOVE food gifts, especially sweet things, honey, milk, cakes, fruit.
On June 24, a fairy “moves in” for one magical month - leaving little notes, surprises, and invitations to create, explore, and be kind.
Never thank them: In some traditions, saying "thank you" to the fae can be seen as an acknowledgment that you owe them a favor in return, which may not be something you want. Avoid using their names: Some believe that speaking a fairy's true name gives you power over them.
Reportedly, “[promises] are very sacred to the fae and hold a lot of power so if you break a promise, expect there to be some angry faerie cursing you.” Never eat food that a fairy offers.
Another plant known as St John's wort was know to be as good as a fierce dog for keeping off the fairies. Daisy chains kept children from being spirited away. Red flowers and berries were avoided by the little folk, and the wood of the ash, rowan and blackthorn likewise, especially in the form of a stout walking stick.
Folklore says that eating food offered to you while visiting Fairyland, makes it impossible to ever leave and go back home. By eating fairy food, Fairyland becomes a part of you and you'll have to stay there forever. Illustration by Shirley Barber (1935-2023) I'd give it a go.
Say "my apologies", "pardon me", or "I express regret". When the fae speak they mean everything they say. The tongue holds power so be careful what you say and listen closely to them because they may be saying more than they let on.
“Every time you say you don't believe in fairies, a fairy dies somewhere.” – Peter Pan 🧚 Dipping your face in the water in Scotland and making a wish is an ancient belief that connects people to the magical world of fairies.