School: Moynalty (B.)

Location:
Moynalty, Co. Meath
Teacher:
Uillford Ó Maoilmhichil
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0705, Page 318

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0705, Page 318

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  1. XML School: Moynalty (B.)
  2. XML Page 318
  3. XML “Local Marriage Customs”

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  1. As a general rule marriages most frequently take place during Shrove. In olden days people would not dream of getting married during Lent or Advent.
    In the West of Ireland - where the writer was raised - the system known as "Matchmaking" was very common up till quite recently. Most marriages which took place were due to Matchmaking. Occasionally young couples incurring parental wrath, stole away and married secretly. Marriages of this kind were known as "runaway" marriages and they usually took place on the evening of Shrove Tuesday. It was quite a common thing to hear gossipers enquire from various sources about the number of a "runaways."
    "Chalk Sunday" The first Sunday in Lent was officially reserved for the set of people who wished to play jokes on some of their ill-humoured neighbours. On this particular Sunday, the young fellows provided themselves with a goodly supply of White Chalk and while sitting in the Church promptly branded the backs of all the unfortunate bachelors who failed to secure
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. activities
      1. social activities (~7)
        1. rites of passage (~573)
          1. marriage (~4,283)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Willford Melville
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Moynalty, Co. Meath