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ingle Wren 2011

Venue: Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland.Date: 26/12/2011The Dingle Wren, back with a bang, on December 26th

Dingle shall explode in blaze of colour and song on December 26th as the Wren boystake over the town for the annual celebration of L an Dreoln (Wren's Day).

This tradition, which has been going strong in the town since the late 1800s, literallydraws thousands to Dingle every year as the town's streets and pubs become inundatedwith celebratory antics for the entire day from approximately noon until the small hoursthe following morning.

The Dingle Wrens, dressed in traditional straw rigs and brightly coloured costumes, willmarch through the town engaging all who witness the powerful sound of the fife anddrum.

The Wrens will collect funds for several worthy causes along with paying a visit to thepatients at Dingle's new community hospital on Mail Road for the first time this year.

The town's streets are home to several different wrens; the Srid Eoin (John Street) Wren

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leaves from the Barrack Height followed by the Green and Gold Wren from O'Flaherty'sPub on Bridge Street. The Goat Street Wren will head off from Upper Main Street whilethe Quay Wren head off from the Marina.

This tribal spectacle has to be seen to be believed.

The making of straw rigs will be going on in the pubs, beginning around midday; themusic and craic however will continue on for the entire day.

IMAGE: DingleNews.com 2011

Some of thecustoms whichmany peopleassociate withChristmas are offairly recentorigin.Christmas cards,for example,were first printed

in 1843 and theChristmas Treewas popularisedaround the sametime by PrinceAlbert, theGerman-bornhusband of Queen Victoria.

However, before the introduction of these customs in the 1840's, people in Ireland hadtheir own ideas on how to celebrate Christmas.

Preparations began some time beforehand. During the week before Christmas, houseswere generally whitewashed and cleaned, and often painted and repaired. OnChristmas Eve, the inside of the houses were decorated. However, decorations werelimited to a few sprigs of holly, especially if it had red berries.The giving of presents was limited to the richer classes. Wealthier farmers gavepresents such as milk, butter and meat to their workmen and to their poorerneighbours. In the towns, shopkeepers gave presents such as tea, sugar, raisins or abottle of whiskey to their customers, the value of the gift being determined according

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to the importance of the individual customer.But these were the material or worldly aspects of Christmas. For most people, thespiritual elements of the Christmas season were more important. The family Rosary,which was recited each night of the year, became specially important during theChristmas Season, because members of the family who might be away during the year

were generally present in the family home at this time.An even more important spiritual duty for each family was to attend Mass. An oldproverb shows how much the Christmas Mass was loved and appreciated 'Aifreann naGeine, Aifreann agus fiche!' (which means that the Mass of the Birth of Christ isworth twenty-one Masses).There was a traditional belief that midnight was the exact hour of Christ's birth, andfor that reason, midnight Mass was the highlight of the Christmas celebrations. In theearly 1800s, there was a tradition of attending midnight Mass in the open air bytorchlight in the grounds of the parish chapel, rather than inside. It is not certain whatthe origin of this custom was. There may have been a practical reason: hardly anyonewent to bed without first attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, and the

ceremony was probably held out of doors to cope with the large number of peoplewho turned up. On the other hand, it is possible that its origin lay in the pre Christiancelebrations of the mid Winter festival, when fires and lights were important symbolsof warmth and lasting life. (Many pre-Christian Pagan customs, mingled withChristianity, survived until the Great Famine of the 1840's).

Did You Know?In December, outside the warmth and lightof church or home it is often very dark andbitterly cold. There may be travellers outthere.

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Joseph and Mary, themselves, must havetravelled with great weariness at night. So,in Ireland it was traditional to place alighted candle in the window to guide anysuch wanderers. The table too was set with

bread and milk and the door left unlatched,in case Mary and Joseph wanted to come inand rest.Here in Donegal, this lovely, old tradition ismaking a popular come-back.

After attending Mass, people returned to their homes, walking through a countrysidewhere each house had a lighted candle at the principal window or sometimes at eachwindow.Having completed their spiritual duties at midnight, people spent Christmas Day inmerrymaking. It was a matter of honour in Ireland that the whole family should begathered together at Christmas. As it was a family celebration, the privacy of the

household was strictly observed.On any other day of the year, a neighbour - or a stranger - would be warmly welcomedif he happened to enter even the poorest household. But on Christmas Day a strict,unwritten rule prohibited anyone from calling to the home of another in case thefamily's privacy was interrupted.

For the Christmas dinner, noexpense was spared...even in thepoorest homes. The menu hardlyever varied - roast goose, stuffedwith potatoes and onions, a pig'shead garlanded with curly

cabbage, salt beef and of course,a plentiful supply of potatoes. Inhouses where there was more

money to spare, this was followed by a rice pudding, plentifully sprinkled withcurrants, or a plum pudding. This in turn was followed by a great Christmas cake,black with raisins, washed down by jugs of punch. Because of the day that was in it, arare, special treat was also indulged in - tea drinking. The family then relaxed around aglowing fire of turf and logs for an evening of innocent mirth. Stories and legendswere told and retold, and those family members who had been away for most of theyear brought the rest of the family up to date on any news which they had.Christmas was not only surrounded by customs but also by many traditional beliefs.

Many people believed that a sick person had a better chance to recover at Christmasthan at any other time of the year. It was also believed that 'Christmas snow bringsautumn plenty!' But, on the other hand, a snow-free Christmas meant disaster...'Agreen Christmas makes a fat graveyard!' Another traditional belief had it that 'IfChristmas comes in with a new moon, it is a good sign; if not, the following year willbe bad!'Many modern people - especially children - are unable to imagine Christmas withoutSanta Claus, Christmas cards or Christmas trees. But our forbears enjoyed Christmas

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without them, and many of their traditions remain, such as attending Mass and re-uniting the family from far and wide.

Craft Shops and Art Galleries on The Dingle PeninsulaSiopa Ceardaochta agus Dnlanna

The Dingle Peninsula has become home to many of Ireland's finest craftspeople andartists. There are numerous workshops and craft outlets where the visitor can buy locally

made pottery, crystal, jewellery, sweaters, linen, and traditional Irish musical instruments.

Details of painting and art therapy courses an be found on this page

JEWELLERY POTTERYIRISHCRAFTS

WEAVINGARTGALLERIES

HANDMADEBAGS

JEWELLERYSeodireacht

John WeldonJewellersGreen Street,DingleTel/Fax: +353 (0)66 9152522website :

www.johnweldonjewellers.come-mail:celticjewellery@eircom.net

http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/artschool.htmlhttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#jewelhttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#potteryhttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#craftshttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#craftshttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#weavinghttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#arthttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#arthttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#bagshttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#bagshttp://www.johnweldonjewellers.com/mailto:celticjewellery@eircom.nethttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#jewelhttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#potteryhttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#craftshttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#craftshttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#weavinghttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#arthttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#arthttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#bagshttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/crafts.html#bagshttp://www.johnweldonjewellers.com/mailto:celticjewellery@eircom.nethttp://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/artschool.html

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John Weldon is an Irish goldsmith of distinction. His handcrafted Celticjewellery beautifully reflects the quality and workmanship of the ancientstyle that inspires him.

John's unique designs are wrought in gold and silver featuring the finest

Celtic knotwork.

Take some time to browse our exclusive range of pendants, bracelets,earrings and watches. For your big day we have elegant engagementrings and wedding bands both handcrafted and custom made. Here youwill find a collection of jewellery inspired by such cultural heritage as theBook of Kells and other museum artefacts.

John Weldon Jewellers is a family business established in Dingle since1997.

POTTERYPotadireacht

website :www.louismulcahy.com

e-mail:

dingle@louismulcahy.com

LOUIS MULCAHY POTTERYClogher Beach, Ballyferriter.Tel: 066-9156229Fax 066-9156366.

Opening Hours:Summer

Weekdays 9.00am - 7.00pmSat. Sun. 10.00am - 7.00pm

Winter

Weekdays 9.00am - 5.30pmSaturday & Sunday 10.00am - 5.30pm

From EasterWeekdays 9.00am - 6.00pmSat. Sun. 10.00am - 6.00pm

Featuring pottery, lampshades, urns and uniquepieces. All the pottery is exclusively designed andhandmade at the workshop in Clogher. The pottery isparticularly noted for the very large scale of itsdecorative pieces and its enormous range of

functional ware. It is also remarkable for its manydistinctive and lustrous glazes which were devisedand made at the workshop over 35 years of researchand work.At Louis Mulcahy Pottery you can also visit hisVisitor Centre where anyone can try their hands onthe potter's wheel. Groups welcome by appointmentonly.

http://www.louismulcahy.com/mailto:dingle@louismulcahy.comhttp://www.louismulcahy.com/mailto:dingle@louismulcahy.com

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Caf Now Open

Visit Caf na Caolige where you can treat yourself tocoffee, cake and delicious snacks at Louis Mulcahy's.

open 7 days all year

IRISH CRAFTSSimhcheirdeanna

Leac a RStrand StreetDingleTel: +353 (0)66 91 51 138This family owned business on Dingle'sseafront offers a wide range of gifts, craftsand books of irish interest.

WEAVINGFodireacht

LisbethMulcahySiopa nabhFodirSrid anDoirnAn DaingeanCo. Chiarra

Tel: 00353(0)66 915 16 88

Siopa na bhFodir is thecombined studio and retailoutlet of Lisbeth Mulcahy, one

of Ireland's best knowndesigner / weavers and

tapestry artists. The shop is open Monday to Saturday throughout the year and, insummer, evenings and Sundays as well.

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Lisbeth designs all the woven goods on sale in the shop, where she employs one or twoother weavers to make all the wall hangings on display, while her scarves, throws, and

table linen are made by a friend of hers, a commercial commission weaver. She,herself, makes the unique tapestries.

e-mail:

info@lisbethmulcahy.comwebsite: www.lisbethmulcahy.com

Tig ineAn GhrigBallyferriter Co. Kerry

Tel: 00353 (0)66 066 915 6214Our products are all hand

made from traditionalmaterials by local artists

using traditional methods.They make an idealkeepsake or a special

present for friends, loversand relatives.

e-mail:info@tigaine.comwebsite:www.tigaine.com

ART GALLERIESGailearaithe Ealaine

Tig ine

An GhrigBallyferriterCo. Kerry

Tel: 00353 (0)66 9156214

Exhibition of paintings by ine Dubhshlinee-mail:info@tigaine.com

website:www.tigaine.com

mailto:info@lisbethmulcahy.comhttp://www.lisbethmulcahy.com/mailto:info@tigaine.comhttp://www.tigaine.com/weaving.htmhttp://www.tigaine.com/weaving.htmmailto:info@tigaine.comhttp://www.tigaine.com/gallery1.htmmailto:info@lisbethmulcahy.comhttp://www.lisbethmulcahy.com/mailto:info@tigaine.comhttp://www.tigaine.com/weaving.htmmailto:info@tigaine.comhttp://www.tigaine.com/gallery1.htm

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HANDMADE BAGSMla Lmh Dheanta

Greim I N'amMain StreetDingleTel: +353 (0)87 9423388Email: info@malaidinglebags.comWebsite:malaidinglebags.com

Sewing,repairs & Alterations

Mla Lmh Dheanta - Bags Handmade in Dingle Available from TheSewing Shop, Main Street, Dingle.

Facebook :Click Here

Memories of an Irish Christmas by Marie OByrnePosted on December 17, 2012

Hurry today love, theres a lot that needs to get done. We have to catch the early bus into

Bray to pick up the turkey!

My mother spoke fast and very excitedly as she handed me the empty milk pail. It was

early in the morning on Christmas Eve. I put on my wool coat and hat, grabbed the milk

pail and ran out the door. I was about twelve years old. Running across the fields to the

Massey Farm, I could see the small footprints I made in the frosty morning grass, and I

could feel the hard ground beneath my feet. My breath felt bitter cold in the thick veil of

foggy dew that was rising slowly from the ground all around me. Not a sound could be

heard from the robins or the sparrows this morning the air was far too cold for any

birdsong. The handle from the metal pail left red marks on my bare hands and I ran as

fast as I could to stay warm until I reached the old milk parlor. I dropped off the empty

pail, picked up the full one, and walked carefully back home across the fields making

sure I did not spill any milk along the way. I knew my mother would know, somehow she

always knew if I had spilled any of the milk.

mailto:info@malaidinglebags.comhttp://malaidinglebags.com/http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greim-I-Nam/107646435961843http://www.ireland-information.com/blog/?p=261mailto:info@malaidinglebags.comhttp://malaidinglebags.com/http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greim-I-Nam/107646435961843http://www.ireland-information.com/blog/?p=261

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She had her purse out and her list ready. At the top of the list were the turkey and the

ham, then the brussels sprouts and the carrots and parsnips. The turkey had been on order

at the butchers shop for weeks, but she liked to have it in her hands early on Christmas

Eve as she had to make sure there was enough stuffing prepared to feed our large family

of thirteen and Aunt Peggy. After we had picked up the turkey and the ham and thevegetables and a big box of Christmas crackers we headed back down the busy street

towards the bus stop, both of us with our arms full of shopping bags. On the journey

home as I chomped on a bar of Dairy Milk Chocolate, she chatted away to me in nervous

anticipation of the big day ahead, It was like she was running through in her mind all the

preparations that needed to be done.

Ill make the stuffing once I get in, and you and Pauline can peel all the potatoes and

vegetables and put them in pots of water on the stove top. The cake and the pudding are

ready and Dad has the whiskey and the Guinness. Angela will whip up the cream

tomorrow so it will be nice and fresh and then well be all set she went on, sometimes

repeating herself. Do you think it will snow for Christmas Day, Ma? I asked her again.

Well, it sure feels like it love, its certainly cold enough but well have to wait and see

she replied matter of factly. The Christmas tree was already up and decorated. My

brothers had collected plenty of holly and firewood from the local forest and the fireplace

mantle had been decorated festively with lots of red berried holly and red candles. The

holly was also placed on top of all the picture frames throughout the house.

I remember walking to Midnight Mass with my family. Over the road we all went and up

the hill to St. Killians as the familiar church bells rang out across the dark, cold village. It

was the one night of the year I was never afraid to be out in the dark. My five sisters and I

were dressed in new red wool tights and matching red ribbons in our hair. Even though

our coats and shoes were old and worn, on that night all we saw were the new red tights

and the new ribbons in our hair. My father, a very proud ex-military man from the Irish

Army, insisted on all of us having clean shoes for Mass and every Saturday night his job

was to clean and polish all the shoes. He laid out thirteen pairs of shining, polished shoes

on the back doorstep ready for us all for Sunday mornings Mass.

I remember the priest placing baby Jesus in the manger and lighting the red candle in the

hanging lantern by the straw. The choir sang out the familiar carols to the sound of the

beautiful old church organ, and it was like the whole world had lit up. Our family filled

the whole pew, my mother smiled over at me and my father smiled and nodded his head

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back at my mother. All seemed well with the world that night.

After Mass, my mother placed a large candle in the front window as was the custom back

then, to symbolize a warm welcome in our home to the baby Jesus, and to any strangers

or neighbors that would be out on that holy night. The lighted candle in the window andthe handmade holly wreath on the green front door will forever remain etched in my

memory.

My father, who was a very good cook, put the turkey in the oven and sat by the fire with a

glass of whiskey. He basted the big plump turkey throughout the night with a large metal

spoon. He had just the lights of the Christmas tree and the blazing fire glowing in the

room as he nodded off and on in his armchair. Back then cooking a turkey was an all

night affair, and I remember him saying that it had to be cooked easy and slow. There

was never a complaint from him even though he knew he had a long days work ahead in

the kitchen the next day.

With great wonderment and delight I awoke very early in the morning to a small doll with

black hair and a frilly blue bonnet at the end of my bed. There was a big pop-out book

called Pinky and Perky and some chocolates and crayons wrapped up in red Santa

paper. Santa had come! My sisters and I immediately began to eat the chocolates. Mid-

morning, our elderly neighbors Joe and Molly, who had no children of their own, came

over for their Christmas glass of whiskey and a slice of mothers Christmas cake. As they

all sat on the sofa by the fire they raised their glasses.

To your good health Jim and Carmel they toasted. And to you too! May we all be

around this time next year! Please God! replied my father as he raised his glass and

smiled. To this day the smell of Jamesons whiskey reminds me of Christmas morning.

Since we only had the one room for entertaining and dining we had to wait for Joe and

Molly to leave before we six girls got very busy setting the table with all kinds of good

things: slices of ham and turkey, roast potatoes and colorful vegetables, and a big jug of

gravy. There was an extra wooden section of the table inserted to accommodate fourteen

people, our family of thirteen and my Aunt Peggy who lived with us. A Christmas cracker

was placed on each plate. With red and green paper hats on our heads and a full glass of

lemonade or wine in our hands we all shouted Happy Christmas! and toasted one

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another.

Sure this is great, my father always said as he carved the big turkey. What more could

we ask for? I mean it, what more could any of us ask for? He discreetly kissed my

mother on the cheek. This was the one day of the year when there was food and drinkaplenty and you could eat away to your hearts content. Amidst great chatter and joke

telling we sat around and ate our fill by the big blazing fire. We paused after dinner to

hand out our presents to each other that we had bought with our saved money. They were

small gifts: candy or chocolates, mittens, scarves, or my sister Eileens handmade

handkerchiefs and tea cozies.

With record speed the girls cleared off the table and washed all the dishes to get ready for

dessert. My mother and father heated up the slices of plum pudding and prepared the

whipped cream and custard a great ending to our Christmas dinner.

Neighbors and friends dropped in and out to say hello in the afternoon and to have a drink

by the fire and to tell a joke or two. We would often break into song as we played with

our toys and board games and the boys played cards and read books that they had

received from Santa.

Later in the evening my mother made a big pot of tea and we all had a slice of Christmas

cake and a warm mince pie. Christmas day was winding down now, soon to be over for

another year.

Now that I am older I often reflect on my simpler, childhood Christmass and I believe

my father was so right. What more could we have asked for? We did indeed have it all!

We had each other, a big loving family living in a three bed roomed cottage; not rich by

any standards, but we had lots of food and a big glowing warm fire. The sights and

sounds of Christmas past will always remain with me in my heart.

I hope you all have a joyful Christmas with the ones you love, wherever you may be and

I wish you all a very happy and peaceful New Year, full of goodness and blessings.

Marie OByrne. Kingsburg, California.

www.marieobyrne.com