School: Bracknagh (2)

Location:
Bracknagh, Co. Offaly
Teacher:
S. Mac Giobúin
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0800, Page 065

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0800, Page 065

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  1. XML School: Bracknagh (2)
  2. XML Page 065
  3. XML “May-Bushes”

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  1. On May Eve (in this district) people cut a white-thorn bush and erect it opposite the door. They decorate it with egg-shells, bits of coloured papers, ribbons, Mayflowers, primroses and cowslips.
    On that night people go around from house to house stealing the May-bushes. People say that if their Maybush is stolen - their luck is stolen for the year.
    Long ago the people used bring the May-bush into their houses at nightfall so that they would not be stolen.
    If the people of the house sees anybody stealing their May-bushes they go out and fight with them.
    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
    Informant
    William Donegan
    Gender
    Male
    Age
    64
    Address
    Ballyshane, Co. Offaly