Nollaig shona dhaoibh

In the British Isles and certain parts of Europe, the days following Christmas have their own set of traditions to observe.

On Saint Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day), “mummers” in England celebrate the traditional wren dance. (In rural Ireland the performers were known as “wren boys”.) There are two possible origins for the wren hunt and dance: in Celtic mythology the bird symbolized the passing year; in Norse thinking the bird was associated with treachery. Historically, men would capture a live wren, tie it to a pole, and collect money for the evening’s town square dance. Any surplus money was given to the poorest person in the town or village. (Today the wren is no longer hunted, and so has been replaced with a fake bird.) Usually fuelled with copious quantities of beer and spirits, the men donned costumes manufactured from old clothes and straw to conceal their features from pagan gods, who favoured the wren for its winter song that greeted the solstice dawn.

The wren dance is celebrated beyond Britain and Ireland by boys and girls (and even adults). The “Fête du Roi de l’Oiseau” has been celebrated in Carcassonne since 1524, and is still extremely popular. In a similar celebration in Galicia, known as “The Chase of King Charles”, the wren (again tied to a pole) is taken to the nearest monastery where the abbot provides food and wine in celebration.

Another tradition that differs extremely from one country to another is the “Feast of the Epiphany” (recognizing that the Son of God has been manifested in the human form of Jesus Christ). Also known as Three Kings (or Magi) Day, Roman Catholics celebrate on January 6, while Eastern Orthodox followers celebrate on January 19. The difference of 13 days between the Gregorian and Julian calendars means that Orthodox rites celebrate the baptism of John instead.

Children in Spain receive gifts brought by the Three Kings on this special day. The night before, the Twelfth Night, was a night of fun and revelry—even before it was immortalized by Shakespeare. In Ireland, this day is celebrated as “Little Christmas”, and is usually the day to take the tree down. Also known as “Nollaig na mBan” (Women’s Christmas), women are recognized for all the care and work they devoted to Christmas celebrations. On this day, they may receive additional gifts of gratitude from children and grandchildren—dining in a restaurant with the women of the extended family.

To all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!