School: An Mhaing
- Location:
- Muingatlaunlush, Co. Kerry
- Teacher: Christine Nic Gearaild
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0444, Page 122
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- XML “Festival Customs”
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- Festival CustomsOn St. Stephen's Day the boys dress up and wear false faces and go around from house to house gathering money to bury the wren which they ca(rry) around with them on a holly bush. When they visit each house they sing :-
"The wren, the wren the king of all birds,
On St. Stephen's Day he was caught in the furge
Although he is small his family is great,
Get up me old lady and give us a treat.
I followed this wren through frost and snow
My shoes and stockings were nearly wore,
I laid him down neath a berry tree,
And brought him home on a holly tree.
Up with the kettle and down with the pan,
Sixpence or a shilling to bury the wren".
In this way much money is gathered which they usually spend by giving a night which they ca(ll) "The Wren Dance".On St. Brigid's Day the young people of the locality go on what is called "The Biddy". They dress up just as on St. Stephen's Day and they take a doll dressed up as St. Brigid around with them from house to house. In this way they gather much money which they generally spend on a party or a dance.(continues on next page)
