Christmas in Ireland - Nollaig Shona Duit!

As is the same with most other countries Christmas is celebrated from Christmas Eve until January 6th, which you should well know by now is known as Epiphany. However, in Ireland the 6th is also referred to as Little Christmas or Little Women's Christmas. This is usually the day decorations are taken down, but not by the women. Oh no, this day is a day for the women to relax or go out and have fun while the men take care of the housework and chores. Ireland, you're doing it right.

Orrrr...maybe not. Because before Christmas arrives the houses are whitewashed and cleaned top to bottom. Every inch of the inside and outside of the house, plus the barns and stalls are cleaned. Much like our time of spring cleaning.

Decorations in Ireland revolve primarily around the use of Holly. The green plant and red berries is widely used in the US (think wreaths), but the tradition began in Ireland. As an easily available plant, it was used as decorations so that even the poor were able to make their homes festive. It was used far before Christmas trees became popular in the country. Families would go out and find Holly together, looking for a tree with plentiful berries, as they were seen as lucky. And the holly went everywhere, behind hanging photos, on the mantel, dressers, etc.

On Christmas Eve families light a candle (or put up an electric candle) in the window to symbolize lighting the way for Mary and Joseph. It also symbolizes welcoming and warmth for friends and family. A Christmas cake, which women begin to prepare weeks before Christmas, is usually first cut on Christmas Eve. The cake is made with dried fruit, nuts, spices, and soaked in whiskey or brandy. Santa Clause, Daidi na Nollag (Daddy of Christmas) brings children presents on Christmas Eve and children leave out cookies and milk. Although in years past Santa might have enjoyed a mince pie and a glass of Guinness.

On Christmas day people may take part in the traditional Christmas swim...in the freezing cold water...in the freezing cold weather. Money is raised for charity at events all over the country, and some say it's a great hangover cure. The day after Christmas is known as St. Stephen's Day, or the Day of the Wren. A legend tells of St. Stephen (one of the first Christian martyrs) who was hiding from enemies and then betrayed by the chirping of a wren, and was later stoned to death. In days long ago on the 26th boys would hunt and stone a wren to death, then tie it to a stick and parade around town. These days a model wren is tied to a stick and boys may go door to door asking for charity money.

So have some cake, cut some holly, hide your wren, and Nollaig Shona Duit everyone!