School: Liathdruim (roll number 369)

Location:
Leitrim, Co. Monaghan
Teacher:
E. Ó Maitiú
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0951, Page 210

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0951, Page 210

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  3. XML “Old Customs”

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  1. (continued from previous page)
    May Day
    On the evening before May Day the wells were cleaned out. The man of the house would remain up till 12 o'clock. He would then go to the well for a can of water. Before returning he would drop a red hot coal into the well. This was to bring good luck.
    On this evening some people would tie a piece of roantree and horse manure by means of a red string to the cow's tail. These are left on the cows' tails until the following year when fresh ones are tied on. This is also for luck. It is said to be unlucky to give anyone milk on May-day. Many people on this day would not give a neighbour milk for it takes away good luck.
    May-flowers are gathered and thrown around the door of the dwelling house on May Eve.
    Sometimes people who have become poor try to get back their good luck in the following way. On May Day they go to some neighbour's house and borrow a churn saying that their own is broken.
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. events
      1. events (by time of year) (~11,476)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Mary Mc Mahon
    Gender
    Female
    Age
    14
    Address
    Skinnagin, Co. Monaghan
    Informant
    Mrs Mary Murdock
    Relation
    Grandparent
    Gender
    Female
    Age
    78
    Address
    Skinnagin, Co. Monaghan