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

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1. Lore Connected with Christmas (continued)

   

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   and aren't I a jolly good man.
   If you don't believe or give in to what I say call in Oliver cromwell and he'll soon clear the way.
   Yes, Yes, here comes I Oliver Cromwell
   this is me I suppose
   I have conquered many nations
   With my large and copper nose.

   Then there are the Wren Boys who go round on Saint Stephen's Day. The rhyme is
   "The wren, the wren, the king of all birds.
   Saint Stephens Day you are caught in the furze.
   Although she is small her family is great.
   Rise up dear madam, and give us a treat.
   Up with the kettle, and down with the pen,
   And give us some money to bury the wren.
   All silver and no brass
   Go to the purse, and give us some cash.

   On New Years Day it is the custom with the people to bring goods such as turnips and potatoes and others, so that they would have them and bringing them in all the year. Some people would not even sweep out the floor, or throw out the water, fearing they would sweep out the luck. That is still the custom, even in my own home. It is also said those who cry on New Years Day will be crying all the year, and those who laugh will be laughing all the year, and so on. The old people also believe that the souls who

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   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