Imagine the green of Ireland covered in glittering snow. Curling smoke from the peat fires in the country cottage kitchens trail upward toward a brooding sky. Ireland, land of magic and rich Christmas customs. In earlier days preparation for the holiday brought out the trusty Irish Bog Pony to fetch the Christmas tree from the hills. Cakes were baked on an open hearth and strong Irish tea kept everyone fortified for the anticipated events.
Whitewashing the House
One of the oldest Christmas customs of Ireland is the whitewashing of the house. The women would clean the entire house with hot water and soap. Bed linens were washed, pillows aired, the floors polished to a squeaky shine. A homemade whitewash, made of lime, was applied to the exterior of the house and the fireplace inside.
The outhouse was whitewashed as well. It was an act of purifying to welcome the Christ child. A chimney sweep would arrive in his rackety pony cart filled with long, black brushes and clean the chimney 'slick as a whistle' so Santa Claus could bring the gifts.
Plucking the Christmas Goose
Most households in Ireland kept geese and a roasted goose was the favored entree for Christmas day. It would be accompanied by potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, sausages and puddings with fruit cake. Cooking preparation usually began with the plucking of the goose and getting it ready for stuffing and stitching on Christmas Eve. It was put in the roasting pan early Christmas morning. The goose feathers were saved and stored for pillow making.
On Christmas Eve, after the evening meal, the table was cleared and cleaned. A lit candle was set in the center with a loaf of bread and a jug of milk placed beside it. The door was left unlatched so wandering travelers could come in out of the cold and find something to eat. This was in remembrance of Joseph and Mary.
Gathering Holly
It was usually the children that went into the woods to gather Christmas holly accompanied by an adult with a hand saw. They would get enough to share with elderly members of the community who couldn't search for the holly themselves. Holly was free decoration for those who couldn't afford anything else.
It was placed around the house but most specifically above the door as a sign of hospitality. Its bright green leaves and red berries were festive but had another meaning. It was believed that tiny woodland fairies made their home in the holly leaves and would bring luck to the house if you let them in.
The Christmas Candle
The Christmas candle was always placed in the window to welcome travelers and light their way in the dark night. it was usually held upright by placing it in a hollowed out turnip which was wrapped in bright colored paper. Sometimes sprigs of holly were stuck in the turnip and draped over the paper skirt. Tradition says that the youngest member of the household was the one to light the candle on Christmas Eve and it was to be extinguished by a girl named Mary.
Irish Blessings for the Holiday
There are many Irish toasts and blessings but one that is sure to please the guests is:
- The light of the Christmas star to you
- The warmth of home and hearth to you
- The cheer and good will of friends to you
- The hope of a childlike heart to you
- The joy of a thousand angels to you
- The love of the Son and God's peace to you
The Gaelic greeting for Christmas is Nollaig Shona Duit which means 'Happy Christmas'.
Sources:
HOL101
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