Nollaig Shona Duit (Happy Christmas in Irish)
Irish Christmas traditions are similar to those found in many western countries: the basic Christmas rituals, such as gift-giving, attending Mass, and decorating trees, are shared by most nations where Christmas is celebrated. But Ireland does have its unique Christmas rituals, as we'll discover below.
Twelve Days of Christmas
Because it is still quite a religious country - Catholicism being the most prevalent - Irish traditions reflect this more than the increasingly secular customs of North America. The popular Christmas carol, Twelve Days of Christmas is a remnant from the time when Catholicism was illegal and the gifts listed in the song are hidden references to Catholic dogma. It was used as a memory exercise for those who were secret adherents to Catholicism.
Lighting Candles
The lighting of candles in Ireland also has a religious significance. Some people would light candles (or one large candle) to signify symbolic hospitality for Mary and Joseph. The candle was a way of saying there was room for Jesus' parents in these homes even if there was none in Bethlehem. Some people even set extra places at their tables as a preparation for unexpected visitors.
Christmas Dinner
Christmas dinners in Ireland usually consist of the standard fare; turkey, a ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, etc. Among the more traditional Irish elements are spiced beef (spiced over several days, cooked, and then pressed) which can be served either hot or cold. The traditional dessert is usually composed of mince pies, Christmas pudding, and brandy or rum sauce.
Gift Giving and St. Stephen's Day
Before Christmas it's customary to give small gifts, usually of the cash variety, to the milkman and mailman. Long ago, this was done on St. Stephen's day, also known as Boxing Day (the day after Christmas). Traditionally, pantomime plays are performed on St. Stephen's day, in which women play the men's roles and vice-versa. In Dublin there are usually several plays going on with subjects including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Puss in Boots, and Babes in the Wood.
The Wren Boys
Christmas in Ireland cannot be discussed without reference to the Wren Boys on St. Stephen's Day. This practice of antiquity predates St. Patrick. In ancient times, a wren was beaten out of the bushes and its body hung on a holly bush. The killing of a bird is no longer tolerated but the door to door visits continue. Participants dress up in homemade costumes reminiscent of North American Halloween. The song they yell from house to house is called:
The wren, the wren,
the king of all birds
Most people treat the Wren Boys to porter and pudding. Any young people in the house are cajoled to continue on with the gang until there is a decent assembly of young folk being followed by most of the children in the neighbourhood. They will end up in some neighbour's house and if someone produces a fiddle the party begins.
The official end of the Christmas season in Ireland occurs on January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany (also known as "Little Christmas"). As the name suggests, there is a feast on that day and it's also that day that the Christmas decorations are taken down.
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