Although there is no solid evidence connecting Christmas in Ireland
to older pagan practices, there are some hints of traditions which may pre-date
Christian influence. As Estyn Evans tells us "Although Christmas is the outstanding Christian festival of the year
its traditional 'Twelve Days' of holiday are steeped in pagan lore and in folk
practices relating to the winter solstice..." (Estyn Evans, 1957, p
279). It is possible that the older solstice customs shifted to Christmas (O
Suilleabhain, 1967).
Preparations began before the holiday, with
a thorough cleaning of the home and the gathering of appropriate decorations (Danaher, 1972). As with many other cultures these decorations would include boughs
of evergreens, brought into the home. Holly, ivy, Bay, and Laurel were common
and usually collected by the children of the family (Danaher, 1972). The
emphasis of this holiday was on immediate family but also had community aspects.
The holiday itself was celebrated with public ritual - in this case Mass - and
followed by public hurling matches and hunting but was otherwise enjoyed
quietly at home (Danaher, 1972).
Gift giving was an extensive practice,
virtually a social obligation. Shopkeepers gave gifts to customers, the
well-off gave to the less fortunate, and friends and family gifted each other;
these gifts could include firewood, food, special seasonal treats, and clothes
(Danaher, 1972). In this way gift giving both reinforced social bonds and also
acted as charity to support the lower levels of society.
This time of year, like Samhain, is a time
to remember and honor the dead (O Suilleabhain, 1967). One overtly Christian
practice which might have older pagan roots, and could in any event be adapted
for pagan use, relates to welcoming the traveling holy family on the eve of the
holiday. Three plates are left out on the table and a bowl of water is left on
the windowsill to be blessed by the spirits during the night; this water is
then thought to have healing properties (Danaher, 1972). This folk practice in
other parts of Ireland is done to welcome in the spirits of deceased family
members seeking to return for the holiday (Danaher, 1972). The custom itself
might be of an older, pagan nature which originally related to the dead and was
later shifted to the Christian holy family. This can also be seen in the
practice of lighting a candle at this time for a family member who has died in
the past year, and decorating the graves of family members with holly or yew
(Danaher, 1972).
One similar traditional practice is the
lighting of a large white candle in the kitchen window the night before the
holiday (O Suilleabhain, 1967). This candle was often lit by the youngest child
in the family, and might be decorated with holly (Danaher, 1972). The candle
would be allowed to burn either all night or until midnight, and if it was put
out or went out early it was thought to be a terrible omen, sometimes seen as
foretelling a coming death in the family (Danaher, 1972). It was also thought
to be lucky to eat breakfast by candle light (Wilde, 1991).
There are some indications that it was a
tradition in pagan times to slaughter a bull at this time, which later became a
Christmas celebration practice (Wilde, 1991). This may perhaps be reflected in
the fact that beef, roasted or boiled, was the most popular meal for the
holiday (Danaher, 1972). Sweets, apples, and baked goods are also traditional
foods. Generally speaking a large meal would be prepared including as much
variety as the household could manage.
There are several omens that might be taken
on the day. To hear a cricket was a good omen, as was hearing a rooster crow at
night (Danaher, 1972). Snow, frost, and cold weather were seen as good omens,
signs of a pleasant spring to come (Danaher, 1972). The special candles lit
were also used for divination, as previously mentioned.
All of these represent Irish traditions
which easily be done on the winter solstice for those who wish to celebrate it.
The largest adaption required would be to substitute the morning Mass for an
appropriate Irish pagan ritual on the morning of the solstice. This should be
easily done, and could incorporate lighting candles on the eve of the solstice
and waking up to watch the sun rise after the longest night.
References
Danaher, K., (1972) The Year in Ireland
Danaher, K., (1972) The Year in Ireland
O
Suilleabhain, S., (1967) Nosanna agus
Piseoga na nGael
Wilde,
L. (1991) Irish Cures, Mystic Charms
& Superstition
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