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  3. Athlone (Mixed)

School: Athlone (Mixed) (roll number 16092)

Location:
Athlone, Co. Westmeath
Teacher:
T. Hunter
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0748, Page 064

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0748, Page 064

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  1. XML School: Athlone (Mixed)
  2. XML Page 064
  3. XML “Local Marriage Customs”

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  1. Local Marriage Customs

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    During Shrove most marriages take place in Athlone; a great many take place in June and July also.
    May is a month which is thought unlucky to get married in; also people say it is unlucky to get married in Lent. Friday is considered an unlucky day for marriage.
    Match-making is carried on in Athlone yet, and money, and sometimes a farm with stock on it is given as a dowry.
    Sometimes marriages take place in people's houses. In Clonmacnoise in the year 1919 a man and a woman got married in a house. The priest came to the house and married them.
    A few customs are observed on marriage days in Athlone. The bride ties a piece of blue ribbon to herself to bring good luck, and the people tie a pair of old boots on the back of the car to bring good luck also.
    A wedding feast is usually held, and 'straw Boys' come to the feast. They are dressed in straw, and are nearly always given a good reception. They
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    History Edit
    Topics
    1. activities
      1. social activities (~7)
        1. rites of passage (~573)
          1. marriage (~4,283)
    Language
    English
    Informant
    Mrs Johnson
    Gender
    Female
    Address
    Garrycastle, Co. Westmeath
    Informant
    Mr W. Taylor
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Athlone, Co. Westmeath
    Informant
    Paddy Burns
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Bunnavally, Co. Westmeath