A collection of Irish traditions, customs and stories surrounding Christmas in the nineteenth and early twentieth century The book is a compendium of material, in English and Irish, on the festival of Christmas from the manuscripts of the National Folklore Collection recalling how Christmas was celebrated in the nineteenth and early twentieth century in all its regional diversity. The book begins with accounts of the Chrismas preparations, before moving through Christmas Eve, with its fasting, feasting and a multitude of superstitions, Christmas Day, with its focus on the home and family, and on to the accounts of the communal celebration of St Stephen's Day with Wren Boys, games and hunting. Moving towards New Year's Day, the book recalls the optimism and fear associated with a transitional time when omens for the coming year were keenly observed, and finally concludes with accounts of the Little Christmas, also known as the Women's Christmas, celebrated on 6 January, and at which point the twelve-day festival comes to a close. AUTHOR: Stephen Newman, is a lecturer in the Department of Irish at Mary Immaculate College, Cork. His previously published works include a translation of 'Eachtra Thoroilbh Mhic Stairn and Eachtra a Thriur Mac, two romantic tales composed by Clare author, Mícheal Coimín, in 1760. He is a member of the European Federation of Associations and Centres for Irish Studies and the institute for Irish Studies. SELLING POINTS: ? Based on material in the National Folklore Collection ? Includes original Irish text with English translations ? Illustrated with 25 original line drawings 25 b/w illustrations
