School: Altóir, Tuar Mór, An Sciobairín (roll number 12071)
- Location:
- Altar, Co. Cork
- Teacher: Henry Evanson
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0287, Page 215
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- All Hallows' Eve, the vigil of all Saints Day, is the occasion of many amusements in Ireland, some of which are handed down from Pagan days. The following are some of the amusements that are practised in the district of Altar school.
All the local people assemble to-gether and cup of cakes in which rings, rags, peas, and beans have been baked. The pieces of cake are then handed around, and it is believed that the person who gets the ring will be married during the following twelve months. Everyone tires to avoid getting the rag, as it is the omen of poverty, while the pea signifies wealth, and the bean happiness.
Another favourite game is nut burning. Two nuts are placed near the fire to represent a boy and a girl in the company, and all gather around to see the result. If one of the nuts jump away from the other the couple will not be married, but if they(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Frances J. Connell
- Gender
- Female
- Address
- Altar, Co. Cork
