School: Gleann na gCoileach (roll number 1583)

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1. An Feirmeoir agus an Tiarna Talún (continued)

   

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   sé an áit, agus d'imthigh sé go tír éigin, agus is ann do mhair sé féin, agus a bhean go seascair an chuid eile dá shaoghal.

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

2. Local Customs - The Feast of St Brigid - The Biddies

   

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   On the eve of the above feast a very quaint old custom exists in this locality. The origin of this custom, can be traced back many many years, but how it originated can only be surmised. All we know is that the custom is associated in some way with St Bridget the Mary of Ireland - who built the little oak hut in Kildare and whose mortal remains now lies in Downpatrick along with St. Patrick and St Columcille. Years ago it was customary for young men to dress up in disguise and visit all the houses in the locality. They brought with them the effigy of St Bridget. Good wishes and blessings, were given to each householder. Sometimes dance was indulged in, and as a token, a pin or some other sign was given by the woman of the house. Later on the sticking of pins on the effigy ceased and money was given instead. This money was used for some pious or charitable purpose. The habit of leaving pins or other objects in or at holy places exists even to day. As time went on the sanctity of this old custom on the eve of St Bridget

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. events
      1. events (by time of year) (~11,476)
         1. Feast of St Brigid (~366)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Síghle Ní Eaochaoidhirn

   Gender

   Female

   Informant

   Seán Ó Ríoghbhardáin

   Gender

   Male

   Occupation

   Múinteoir