|
Irish Christmas is similar to the Christmas celebrated all over the world. People attend masts, exchange gifts and, decoration of trees. But something is different in Irish Christmas that makes it unique. There are Twelve Days of Christmas in Ireland. Christmas in Ireland ends with the Feast of Epiphany on January 6. It is also called Little Christmas. As Ireland is strictly a religious country, Ireland's Christmas is more sacred than fun.
People place lighted candles in windows believing that Joseph and Mary might be looking for shelter. Irish candles are red colored and decorated with sprig of holly. Christmas dinners in Ireland comprise of turkey, spiced beef, a ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pudding made up of mince pies and brandy or rum sauce..
Christmas preaches universal brotherhood. So, as the tradition prevails, people give cash gifts to milkman, milkmaid, servant, etc…but this is done on St. Stephen's day. Pantomime plays are preformed on this day and there is a reversal of the roles enacted by characters, that is, males perform the roles of females and vice versa.
Wren boys are also popular in Ireland and Christmas is incomplete without any reference to them. Boys wander in streets and while singing ask money for the starving wren.
Travour offers you information regarding Irish Christmas. Wish you a very happy and prosperous Christmas and a Happy New Year.
|