School: Lacken (C.), Cill Mhichíl (roll number 13827)
- Location:
- Lacken, Co. Clare
- Teacher: Bean Uí Mhaonaigh
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0602, Page 011
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- XML School: Lacken (C.), Cill Mhichíl
- XML Page 011
- XML “Superstitions and Customs Pertaining to St Martin's Feast Day”
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- I was told that in olden times people used kill an animal or a bird and sprinkle the blood around the floors and doors of their houses to keep away the fairies.
I was also told when an animal used get sick they would mark it for St Martin's day by putting a cut in its ear and if they didnt kill it, it would die or one of the best of the herd would die instead.
I was also told that if a young calf was born on that day, they would redden a knitting pin in the fire and hole its ear with it so that he would live and be lucky. On that day every house keeper in this district kills a goose or a cock and keeps a drop of their blood to cure a pain in the side. Long ago they used to take it in tow but now they have not the tow they keep it in wool or cotton instead and keep it for the year.
I was also told that if St Martin's day fell on a Monday some people would not like to spill blood on that day, they would rather do it on Sunday or leave it 'till Tuesday.
I was(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Margaret Brogan
- Gender
- Female
- Address
- Kilmihil, Co. Clare
- Informant
- Martin Lineen
- Gender
- Male
- Age
- 72
- Address
- Kilmihil, Co. Clare
