| Christmas in Ireland
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Welcome to the land of the fairy tale. Picture perfect breathtaking landscapes dotted with ghostly Castles, medieval towers flaunting Georgian architecture, posh castle turned Hotels, picturesque sea cliffs, beaches, harbors lined along the Causeway Coast, the towering Cliffs of Moher and the scent of the wild flowers are to name a few of the wonders that adorn the so very pretty Ireland. The very prospect of spending Christmas in Ireland can be aptly likened to a living dream. | |
Christmas celebrations in Ireland and the related customs, rituals and practices are quite similar to the ones that one gets to see in any of the western countries. Gift- giving, decorating the Christmas tree, lighting candles, Christmas dinner and attending masses are the common rituals but certain features are unique to Ireland and it is these that makes it stand apart from the crowd.
Since Catholics are in a majority in Ireland the Irish traditions are more reflective of the catholic practices than the more secular customs that are rampant in North America. Christmas in Ireland starts with folks wishing each other Nollaig Shona Duit i.e. Happy Christmas in Irish. People light candles to signify symbolic hospitality for Mary and Joseph. The traditional food that comprises the Christmas dinner are spiced beef, turkey, ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce not to forget the mouthwatering desserts made out of mince pies, Christmas pudding, and brandy or rum sauce.
Gift Giving, St. Stephen's Day and the wren boys are an integral part of the holiday traditions. It is customary to hand over token gift to the milkman and mailman before Christmas. On St. Stephen's or Boxing Day, pantomime plays are performed where women play the men's roles and vice-versa. (Constitutes a traditional practice) Dublin is quite famous for these plays. In ancient times, a wren was beaten out of the bushes and its body hung on a holly bush. This brutal act has now been totally condemned but little boys dress up as wrens and visit the houses of the neighbors who treat the Wren Boys to porter and pudding. The Christmas celebration officially comes to an end with a feast on January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany (also known as "Little Christmas") when the Christmas decorations are taken down.
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