School: Louth (C.) (roll number 3252)

Location:
Louth, Co. Louth
Teacher:
M. Ní Chasaide
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0665, Page 181

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0665, Page 181

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  1. XML School: Louth (C.)
  2. XML Page 181
  3. XML “Lore Connected with Christmas”

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  1. I have heard from the old people, even from my mother that it is unlucky to visit any persons house on Christmas Day. It was and is the custom for all people to stay in their own homes feasting and drinking.
    On Christmas Eve it is the custom in every home to decorate the house with holly the origin of which I have not found out. We also place large candles lighted in the windows to guide the wanderer. for on the first Christmas Night our blessed Lady wandered hopelesslyseeking lodging. Before christmas a set of boys called "Mummers" go around to the houses of the people at night singing and dancing and saying rhymes one of which I have heard,
    "Some room, some room, me gallant boys
    O give us room to ryhme
    We are going to show in acttivity
    Coming on the Christmas time
    The actives young, the actives old
    Such actors were never seen on a stage before.
    If you don't believe or give into what I say call in, Beelsiebub and heel soon clear the way. Yes yes here comes I Beelsiebub, while under my arm I carry my club
    and in my hand an old tin can.
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. events
      1. events (by time of year) (~11,476)
        1. Christmas (~455)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Eveline Byrne
    Gender
    Female
    Address
    Chanonrock, Co. Louth