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School: Ballinahowen (roll number 8646)

Location:
Ballynahown, Co. Westmeath
Teacher:
T. Hanly
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0745, Page 033

Archival Reference

The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0745, Page 033

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  1. XML School: Ballinahowen
  2. XML Page 033
  3. XML “Festival Customs - St Stephen's Day”
  4. XML “Festival Customs - May Day”

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  1. Festival Customs - St Stephen's Day

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    On St. Stephen's Day boys and men go from house to house dancing and playing music in many districts. They are called the wren boys. They have a branch of holly with the wrens' feathers tied on the top of it. They wear torn clothes and "vizards" and the people give them money. When evening comes they divide the money equally and buy sweets and fruit. They also sing the wren song.
    The wren the wren the king of all birds
    St Stephen's Day she was caught in the furze
    Although she is little her family is great,
    Rise up fair lady and give us a treat,
    So up with the kettle and down with the pan,
    Give us our answer and let us be gone."
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    History Edit