School: Scoil Naomh Colmcille, Kilmacrennan (roll number 17036)
- Location:
- Kilmacrenan, Co. Donegal
- Teacher: Mícheál Ó Gallchobhair
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1081, Page 44
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- We still erect a May Pole every year though the custom is somewhat dieing out.We procure a branch preferably cross-shaped. Then we send the children to pluck a bunch of primroses and we string them onto the branch we have procured.The branch thus decorated is then erected in the midden before sunset.The belief was prevalent that neighboring witches could steal the milk during the entire year if they succeeded in taking it on May-eve before sunset.It was believed that the witch could not exercise her charm near the homestead where a May Pole was erected. Another custom is to throw a handful of the same primroses at your neighbor’s door in honour of the Blessed Virgin.
- Informant
- Eamonn Mc Gettigan
- Relation
- Parent
- Gender
- Male
- Age
- 52
- Address
- Kilconnell or Glebe, Co. Donegal
