Christmas in Ireland

Specifically, caroling and mumming originated in Britain in the Middle Ages, while leaving milk and cookies for Santa or the ugly sweater traditions appeared in the 20th-century USA.

Exclusively Irish Christmas customs, however, are of the most remarkable.

Some, like leaving a candle in the window, carry a deep religious significance; others, like the 12 pub tradition, are extraordinarily fun.

Regardless of age, gender, and social status, Irish people consider Christmas a special period dedicated to helping those in need.

Data indicates Ireland’s residents and businesses donate over €1.24 billion to charity annually – that’s a practice we all really should adopt.

Caroling

Caroling is an ancient British tradition originating in the 13th century.

Since Ireland was once a part of Britain, it shares numerous traditions with its northern neighbor, including caroling. At that time, caroling was known as wassailing and was much different.

In the 13th century, wassailers were the servants of feudal lords who were given a bit of extra freedom during the Christmas season. So, they visited the homes of their lords’ singing carols, demanding some food or money in return.

If wassailers were given what they asked for, the feudal lord received blessings. And if they didn’t, they could vandalize the property or simply not go away until the feudal lord complied.

Modern carolers are usually children or good neighbors bringing Christmas cheer to our homes, not demanding anything in return apart from a smile.

However, many people still welcome carolers into their homes to share treats or a drink.

Caroling is also often connected with charity. Carolers may walk around the town raising funds for poor children, the homeless, or those in need of medical help.

Generally, charity is a big thing in Ireland – Irish Times claim that about 90% of Irish people donate to charity annually. Surprisingly, people aged 18-24 donate the most.

Mummer’s Play

Mummer’s Play is yet another ancient tradition. In fact, it’s so old that its origins are hard to track – British and Irish still argue about which region was the motherland of the tradition.

The earliest records of mumming in Ireland date to the 12th century. King Henry’s Christmas celebrations in Dublin involved “the masking, the mumming, and strange shows, the gold, the silver…”

But what is mumming, exactly? Well, this phenomenon has multiple definitions depending on the period and region, but one thing remains constant – disguising.

In ancient times, mummers used to disguise in scary costumes or attires of the opposite sex and visit houses in the neighborhood. They would then make a performance and ask the homeowners to guess their identities.

Over time, this practice morphed into Mummer’s Plays – theatrical performances based on British and Irish folk tales and involving historical figures, such as Saint Patrick or Oliver Cromwell.

Mummer’s Plays are traditionally performed by groups of amateur actors.

Mummer’s Plays are especially popular in county Wexford, where they involve sword dance. Actor groups participating in Wexford’s mumming festivals travel around the country and often appear on TV.

Attending Church

Ireland has always been a deeply religious country, so it’s no wonder attending the church on Christmas Eve is a must.

For Irish, this tradition isn’t optional. People of all ages gather together to commemorate the birth of Christ at Midnight Mass.

Midnight Mass in Ireland is actually a much more fun event than you may imagine. Church on Christmas is a place where the Irish can catch up with friends and neighbors you may have not seen for a good while.

The Mass typically involves singing carols and live music. Afterward, Irish people go home to celebrate Christmas with their families. Some also attend the Eucharist on Christmas morning.

Candle in the Window

Numerous Christmas traditions around the globe involve candles, but one custom originated specifically in Ireland – lighting a candle in the window on Christmas Eve. The traditions history stems from Protestant Reformation times.

In the 16-17th centuries, the Protestant law prohibited practicing Catholicism. Many Christmas traditions were banned entirely. However, as I’ve already mentioned, Ireland is a highly religious country.

Since the Irish couldn’t give up Catholicism, they had to practice it in secret. So, they left a single candle lit up in the window on Christmas, leaving the rest of the house dark.

Irish priests traveling around the country saw this candle as a sign indicating they’re welcomed into the house.

Even after the Protestant law was abolished, the tradition remained, symbolizing the dedication and faith of the Irish people.

Another interpretation of the tradition is that the candle represents the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to Jesus in Bethlehem. It’s meant to symbolize Christ’s guidance and hope.

Saint Stephen’s Day

Saint Stephen’s Day is celebrated on December 26 and is an official public holiday in Ireland.

All schools, offices, and most retailers are shut on this day, but this doesn’t mean the church is the only place one can attend (though it’s a common choice among Irish).

The most popular Saint Stephen’s Day family entertainments in Ireland are attending theatres to see pantomime or horse races. Pantomime is an old Christmas tradition that is observed in many European regions. But why the horses?

Well, one legend tells that Saint Stephen owned an ill horse that was magically cured by Christ.

The tradition of attending horse races may be linked to this legend, but the Irish may also simply love to dress up in fancy attires and look at horses.

Horse races are held in nearly every Irish town, even the smallest ones such as Dundalk or Curragh. Racecourses are scattered across the entire country.

Some Irish retailers, however, started to follow the USA tradition of Boxing Day shopping, remaining open on December 26 and offering great discounts.

Women’s Christmas

In Ireland, Epiphany is known as Small Christmas or Women’s Christmas. On this day, Irish men take all the burdens off women’s shoulders, taking care of the house and children and letting their loved ones relax.

The tradition originated in small Irish villages, where women would tirelessly clean the house and prepare foods during the Christmas season.

They saw Epiphany as a chance to meet with friends in the local pub and have a couple of eggnogs.

As Irish Times joked back in 1998, even the God rested on the seventh day, but not the Irish women – they worked through the entire twelve days of Christmas!

Guinness & Mince Pies for Santa

Modern Irish Christmas traditions are largely influenced by American culture. You likely know the children’s favorite custom of leaving milk and cookies for Santa Claus. Well, the Irish have added local specifics and humor into the tradition.

Instead of milk and cookies, the Irish leave a pint of Guinness and mince pies for the Santa to treat himself while leaving gifts. You may wonder, isn’t it prohibited to ride a sleigh after a pint?

The truth is, treats are usually consumed by the head of the family rather than Santa. But don’t tell Irish kids about it! The kindest children also leave some carrots for Rudolph.

12 Pubs

One of the most fun Irish Christmas traditions is attending 12 pubs on Christmas Eve (or on any other day throughout the Christmas season, really). It’s great entertainment for a group of friends or colleagues.

The purpose of the custom is to drink at least a pint of beer in each of the 12 pubs and… well, stay alive. Plus, the process involves a set of wacky rules that differ from pub to pub.

For instance, in the first pub, everyone may have to stay completely silent; in the second, everyone may have to talk to one stranger, and so on. The 12 pubs tradition can be a real recipe for disaster if you’re creative enough.

Of course, such a tradition requires proper preparation. All participants should eat well before the event, inform their families where they are planning to go in case they get lost, drink plenty of water, and not mix spirits.

Ugly Christmas Sweater

Another Christmas tradition Irish borrowed from Americans is wearing ugly Christmas sweaters.

Irish typically do this on the last day at work or school before the Christmas holidays, but some families wear bizarre knits also on Christmas Eve.

There’s no need to practice your knitting skills or browse Amazon to get an ugly holiday sweater in Ireland. They are sold in pretty much every store.

Some offices and educational institutions even host a competition for the ugliest sweater.

Irish Christmas Food

Christmas food in Ireland is undoubtedly delicious but not particularly noteworthy for Americans since it’s the exact same.

Irish prefer to eat turkey and stuffing, glazed ham, mince pies, and Christmas pudding, along with mulled wine or eggnog.

The most common sides for meat are mashed potatoes or Brussel sprouts with gravy or cranberry sauce.