Ah, imagine a holiday where the men give the women the day off and do the cooking and cleaning! That is part of Christmas in Ireland!

Every culture has its own version of the holiday. This series introduces us to Christmas folklore and traditions around the world.

Ireland

Christmas is celebrated on December 25th much like in UK and US and has similar traditions, but the Irish Christmas lasts from December 24th through the Feast of Epiphany, January 6th.

A very old tradition of lighting a large candle on the windowsill after sunset Christmas Eve is still practiced in many houses. The candle is left to burn all night, said to be a welcoming to light the way to the stable for Mary and Joseph. But this was also a beacon of hospitality dating back to the 17th century, to welcome all- family, friends and even strangers, anyone passing by, to come inside and enjoy the bountiful feast. The Irish hold a strong belief that noone should go without, especially at Christmastime. The candle was traditionally lit and extinguished by the daughter named Mary, or the youngest girl in the house.

This began when Catholic religion was outlawed and priests hid in fear for their lives. Families hoped their home and family would be blessed by a secretly traveling priest on Christmas Eve, and the candle signified this was a safe house and the doors would be unlocked.

But after seeing all these candles dotting the night, English soldiers became suspicious and began interrogations. So the families developed a quick solution- that they were lighting the way for Mary and Joseph, and the practice was dismissed by the English authorities as harmless superstition.

"The Father of Christmas- Santa or Santy, traditionally brings gifts while the children sleep over Christmas Eve night to be opened upon waking. Children leave Mince Pie and a bottle of Guinness for Santy, along with a carrot for Rudolph.

A traditional Christmas dinner is a family feast of celebration. Turkey and ham is served along with many vegetables and roast potatoes. Sometimes goose replaces the turkey. In the Cork region of Ireland, spiced beef is the main course. A round cake full of caraway seeds and Christmas pudding rounds out the meal for dessert, with a rich brandy and butter sauce lit and poured over the delectable treats.

As in Italy, meat and dairy are not eaten the day before Christmas, although the Irish do not practice the Feast of the Seven Fishes fish is the meal of the day.

The day after Christmas Day is also a very important holiday. Known as St. Stephen's Day (Boxing Day in the UK and Canada), workers have the day off and enjoy football matches and horse races.

The Feast of the Epiphany (January 6th) is celebrated in Ireland as 'Nollaig na mBean' or Women's Christmas. Women of the land all get the day off and the men do the cooking and cleaning while ladies gather with friends to gossip, have cake and tea , and enjoy their day off.

It is traditional to swim in the ocean on Christmas morning, and in modern times is often done for a charity. The 40 Foot Sandycove in Dublin is a traditional and recently popular venue- hundreds brave freezing temperatures and jump into the sea.
The Irish find it so important that noone goes without on Christmas that they lay decorations and wreaths on their deceased loved one's graves.
Wren Boys Procession takes place on St. Stephen's Day. Based on an an ancient practice where a wren was killed and carried in a holly bush. Legends tell a wren foiled a plot against British soldiers by signaling the Irish hiding in bushes prepared to attack. Wrens were then considered the "Devils Bird", and killed, paraded around town on a pole. In modern times no creatures are killed or harmed.
It is considered bad luck to remove the decorations and tree before January 6.
The practice of placing a wreath on the front door began in Ireland. Holly was a widespread plant and gave the poor an easy way to decorate for the holidays.
Many workers are sent home early on Christmas Eve and are given the entire week off from Christmas Day and New Years Day with many businesses completely closed during this time.