School: San Leonard, Ballycullane
- Location:
- Saintleonards, Co. Wexford
- Teacher: Mary B. Dunphy
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0871, Page 117
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- Various old Practices dying out ! Cutting the "Seed" Potatoes
This was considered an important job in the spring. It was a sort of art - many women excelled in it. The large potatoes were "cut" and care was taken to leave only sufficient "eyes" as would ensure a good crop.The "cut" seed were then left a few days to heal and a fist or can of ashes thrown amongst them to help the healing process. They were then considered fit to sow.Now there is scarcely a potatoe "cut" at all. The seed is put down whole"All-Souls" candles 2nd NovemberCandles were lighted in every window in honour of the poor souls.Town streets presented a lovely appearance on "All-Souls" night 2nd November.Colcannon for dinner 31st October
Colcannon was made every ALL-Hallows eve - in some houses for dinner, in others later when all members of the family would be in after the work of the day. A ring was generally put in it.
Pancakes for Shrove
Pancakes were made in every house for Shrove Tues.
"The May-Bush"
A small tree or branch of a tree, generally the whitethorn, was placed outside the door on the 1st day of May. It was decorated with all colour ribbons. A street of May-bushes was a gay sight(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Mary B. Dunphy
- Gender
- Female
- Occupation
- Teacher
