School: Leath-fhearann, Malla (roll number 3548)
- Location:
- Laharan, Co. Cork
- Teacher: R. Barrow
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0364, Page 112
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“St Stephen's Day - In this district boys and even, sometimes, young men go about from house with a decorated holly bush.”
ST. STEPHEN'S DAY. In this district boys and even, sometimes, young men go about from house with a decorated holly bush. They sing at each door and they get a few pence. In the evening they divide their "spoils"
This is the local wren-song:-"The Wren, the Wren, the King of all Birds,
St Stephen's Day he was caught in the furze.
From bush to bush and from tree to tree,
Upon a rock I broke his knee.
Up with the kettle and down with the pan,
Give us our answer and let us be gone".The following verse is also sung:"Mr. _____ is a worthy man,
And to his house we have brought the wren,
This is the wren that you may see,
Is peeping out from my holly tree.
Up with the kettle and down with the pan,
Give us the money to bury the wren"When they get a subscription they say:"A bottle of wine, and a bottle of beer,
I wish you all a happy New Year."(continues on next page)
- Informant
- Mr John Murphy
- Gender
- Male
- Age
- 70
- Address
- Derrygowna, Co. Cork