School: Summerville (roll number 622)
- Location:
- Summerville, Co. Waterford
- Teacher: John Burke
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0652, Page 119
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- XML School: Summerville
- XML Page 119
- XML “Festival Customs”
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- These are some of the local customs on certain days.
On St Stephen's Day some boys go round with a bit of holly decorated with ribbons. If they caught a wren they tied her on to this. Every house they go to they sing:-
"The wren the wran the king of all birds,
St. Stephen's Day she was caught in the furze,
Although she is little her honour is great,
Put your hand in your pocket and give us a treat,
Up with the kettle and down with the pan,
Give us our answer and let us be gone,
Hurrah".
In every house they get money.
On St. Brigid's eve a white band is put out for St. Brigid to bless it. When blessed it would cure a headache.
St. Patrick's Day a cross is put on your left arm with a burnt stick out of the fire.
Shamrock is also worn on that day.
On Shrove Tuesday pancakes are made.
On the eve of May Day Easter water is sprinkled on all the crops and cattle to save them form charms.
On the 1st of April All Fools Day people try to fool others by telling them something happened(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Kitty Quann
- Gender
- Female
- Address
- Ballyshoneen, Co. Waterford
