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Ireland's national holiday is St. Patrick's Day,
which is celebrated on March 17. St. Patrick is Ireland's patron saint
and his feast day has become a special occasion, not only for Irish nationals,
but also for thousands of people of Irish descent throughout the world. In
Ireland, the day begins with church services. Later in the day, parades are
held throughout the country. The principal parade takes place in Dublin.
Marching bands compete with each other and bands from around the world
travel to Ireland to participate in the festivities. Easter Sunday is celebrated with church services, followed by festive family meals. Children boil and decorate eggs and have contests to see who can eat the most eggs. Easter is also a special day for the military. The Armed Forces hold a parade to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising. |
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Midsummer Eve is a celebration with roots in
pre-Christian times. It is customary to light large bonfires on this night.
Halloween is associated with another pre-Christian celebration called
Samhain. On this day, people went outdoors wearing masks and
costumes so that evil spirits could not recognize them. Today, children
dress up on Halloween, as they do in Canada. Since pumpkins do not grow
in Ireland, Halloween Jack-o'-lanterns may be made from turnips. Christmas celebrations include family dinners, gifts and parties. People decorate their homes with holly, ivy and candles and hang a wreath on the front door. The lighting of the candle is a traditional Irish custom. Families place a candle on a windowsill to welcome Mary, Joseph and Jesus. The youngest child in the family lights the candle. Families attend mass either on Christmas Eve or on Christmas morning. After the service, the children open their presents. |
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St. Stephen's Day is the day after Christmas.
According to legend, St. Stephen was hiding in a bush to escape from
his persecutors when a wren betrayed him. Traditionally, in southern
Ireland, boys dressed in costumes go to peoples' homes asking for money
to "bury the wren." They may also go "mumming," that is, performing music
or skits. On January 6, families celebrate Epiphany, also referred to as Little Christmas or Woman's Christmas. People bake special cookies and cakes and light twelve candles to honor the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. |
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