School: Garrdha Dubhlios, Pálás Gréine (roll number 10991)

Location:
Garrydoolis, Co. Limerick
Teacher:
Ss. Ó Nuanáin
Browse
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0518, Page 035

Archival Reference

The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0518, Page 035

Image and data © National Folklore Collection, UCD.

See copyright details.

Download

Open data

Available under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

  1. XML School: Garrdha Dubhlios, Pálás Gréine
  2. XML Page 035
  3. XML (no title)

Note: We will soon deprecate our XML Application Programming Interface and a new, comprehensive JSON API will be made available. Keep an eye on our website for further details.

On this page

  1. (no title)

    There are many strange customs connected with May Eve.

    There are many strange customs connected with May Eve. The ancient May Eve customs are now dying away. Long ago the young children especially girls used to go around from house to house dressed in beautiful flowers. These youngsters used to sing a song at each house and get a few pence in exchange. In former times May Eve was regarded as a great festival. The following were the principal customs connected with May Eve in ancient times. First sweep the threshold clean, sprinkle ashes over it and watch for the first footprints. If it is turned inwards it means a marriage and if it is turned outwards it means a death. Secondly May Eve pick it up and put it on a plate, sprinkle with flour and at sunset you would see the initials of your true love's name. Thirdly light a bush before the house
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Bridget Looby
    Gender
    Female
    Address
    Kilcornan, Co. Tipperary
    Informant
    John O Connor
    Gender
    Male
    Age
    75
    Address
    Garrydoolis, Co. Limerick