School: Mantua (roll number 2327)

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1. Festival Customs (continued)

   

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   The old people of this community are very superstitious about May day. Some of them would not put out ashes or a give away a coal out of the fire on that day.
   On the eve of Saint John's day bonfires were lighted at all cross-roads, and the young people used to sing and dance and play music around the fires in honour of Saint John.
   The fifteenth of August is regarded as an idle day by the people of this district. They do not do any servile work.
   Long ago the old people used to meet at the patern of Tobar Muire. Very often faction fights took place there. A few days before Saint Martin's a four footed animal was killed and its blood sprinkled on the four corners of the house, and then they used to make a cross of it on the door.
   Hallow Eve is a night on which many games are played. The old people used to believe that on this night the fairies and goblins were abroad.
   There is a very old custom connected with twelvth night. Thirteen rush candles are placed in a cake made of manure and ashes. Twelve of them represent the twelve Apostles, and the thirteenth which is placed in the centre represents Our Lord. The thirteen are lighted and each member of the family has his own candle. Whoever owns the candle that is burnt out first will be the first to die. The cake is afterwards placed on the rafters of the house.

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. events
      1. events (by time of year) (~11,476)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Liam Mc Gann

   Gender

   Male

   Informant

   Mr Patrick Sharkey

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   88

   Occupation

   Farmer

   Address

   Brackloon, Co. Roscommon