Ancient Christmas traditions that are still followed in Ireland

[bridget orman]

The candle in the window
The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas Eve is still practiced in Ireland today. It has a number of purposes but primarily, it was a symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph as they traveled looking for shelter.

The candle also indicated a safe place for priests to perform mass during Penal Times as this was not allowed during that era.

A further element of the tradition is that the candle should be lit by the youngest member of the household and only be extinguished by a girl bearing the name 'Mary,' if possible.

The laden table
After the evening meal on Christmas Eve, the kitchen table was again set and on it were placed a loaf of bread filled with caraway seeds and raisins, a pitcher of milk, and a large lit candle.

The door to the house was left unlatched so that Mary and Joseph, or any wandering traveler, could avail of the welcome.

The Wren Boy procession
During the Penal Times in Ireland, there was once a plot in a village against the local soldiers. They were surrounded and were about to be ambushed when a group of wrens pecked on their drums and awakened the soldiers. The plot failed and the wren became known as 'The Devil's bird'.

On St. Stephens Day, a procession takes place where a pole with a holly bush is carried from house to house and families dress up in old clothes and with blackened faces. In olden times, an actual wren would be killed and placed on top of the pole.

This custom has to a large degree disappeared but the tradition of visiting from house to house on St. Stephen's Day has survived and is very much part of Christmas.

Decorations
The placing of a ring of holly on doors originated in Ireland as holly was one of the main plants that flourished at Christmas time, giving the poor ample means with which to decorate their homes.

All decorations are traditionally taken down on Little Christmas (January 6) and it is considered bad luck to take them down beforehand.

[MARGARIDA MARIA MADRUGA]

Very interesting, Bridget.