School: Monaseed (roll number 15937)

Location:
Monaseed, Co. Wexford
Teacher:
Nioclás Ó Diomasaigh
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0889, Page 071

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0889, Page 071

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  3. XML “The May-Bush”

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  1. The May bush
    A May bush is held in the townland of Annagh every year on the first day of May. It has been held there for generations. A few young boys cut down a hawthorn - tree in full bloom. They then dig a hole in the green on the crossroads in which they plant the hawthorn-tree.
    Then a crowd of boys and girls decorate the tree with egg-shells painted in various colours. They also tie a large number of small candles to the branches. At night, when the candles are lighted, the tree looks pretty indeed. Then a large crowd gather from far and near and they dance around the tree.
    About ten o clock when the candles are burned out, the dance is continued till morning in an
    (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. May (~639)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Mary Kavanagh
    Gender
    Female
    Address
    Motabower, Co. Wexford
    Informant
    Patrick Barnes
    Gender
    Male
    Age
    50
    Address
    Ballyellis, Co. Wexford