School: Kilmore (roll number 13010)

Location:
Kilmore, Co. Leitrim
Teacher:
Eilís, Bean Uí Cheallaigh
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0204, Page 253

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0204, Page 253

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  1. XML School: Kilmore
  2. XML Page 253
  3. XML “Lights - How Rush Candles are Made”

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  1. Lights.
    How rush candles were made.
    The rushes were pulled then the green was(s) peeled off. They were tied together and hung in the chimney till dry. They got resin from the bark of a larch tree and melted in and dipped the rushes in it. When the resin was firmed the candles were fit to be burned.
    Before the rush candles came into escistence they used wax candles. These were made from resin and pitch. We make rush candles and dip them in grease and burn twelve of them on the twelvth night of Christmas in honour of the Twelve Apostles. The name of every member of the family was put on the candles. Then the first candle that burned out would be the first person to die. Every one watches his own candle and the last candle that burns out will be the last person to die.
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. activities
      1. economic activities
        1. trades and crafts (~4,680)
          1. candle-making (~728)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Brigid Mc Loughlin
    Gender
    Female
    Address
    Killadiskert, Co. Leitrim
    Informant
    Patrick Mc Loughlin
    Gender
    Male
    Age
    60
    Address
    Killadiskert, Co. Leitrim