An Nollaig, An Irish Christmas Reader

An Nollaig, An Irish Christmas Reader

This Reader is a celebration of midwinter, most especially An Nollaig, the Irish Christmas. Taking in the solstice celebrations in Newgrange and fire ceremonies at Tlacgtha, it moves into the Christian period. History, folklore, calendar customs, weather events and folk memories recall past Christmases, from the fifth century onwards. Winter, perennial companion of Christmas is also discussed. Extracts from the annals, bardic poems, military letters as well as seasonal correspondence from Oliver Goldsmith, William Carleton and Jonathan Swift amongst others help to weave an Irish Christmas tapestry. Mummers and Wrenboys, long-time stalwarts of the Irish Christmas tradition are mentioned, as is Ireland’s unique Women’s Christmas, Nollaig na mBan.

From the ‘Big House’ come accounts by Maria Edgeworth and Elizabeth Bowen, while Pádraig Ó Siochfhradha, Amhlaoibh Ó Suilleabháin and Michael Hartnett describe simpler Christmases. Musicians Turlough O’Carolan, Frideric Handel and Dubliner Nahum Tate add to the story. There are recipes for ‘Lambswood’, a comforting winter drink and the long cherished favourite, spiced beef. Key historical events, from the battlefield of Kinsale on Christmas Eve 1601 to the trenches of World War I offer a different dimension to earlier Christmases. Poems and prose by Irish writers intersperse the histories to add to the festive fare, with native carols in both Irish and English. The book is a reminder of the unique tradition that is the Irish Christmas and the many riches it bestows.