Does anyone know of any specifically Irish New Years Eve traditions?
Irish (Celtic) New Year Celtic priests went into the woods on New Year’s Eve to gather bunches of mistletoe, which they handed out to the people for protection against any harm. They also lit bonfires to drive away evil forces. They believed that it was safer to stay indoors as fairies were abroad on New Year’s Eve. Irish girls would go to bed and place sprigs of mistletoe, or holly, and ivy leaves under their pillows, in hope of a dream about their future husbands. They might also chant: “Oh, Ivy Green and Holly Red, Tell Me, Tell Me, Whom I shall Wed!” On New Year’s Eve, a large loaf of Christmas bread or cake was taken outside the house and hammered against the closed doors and windows, to drive out any misfortune and let happiness in. If they ate a very large supper that evening, it is believed that they would have plenty of food for the coming year. http://www.azirishmusic.com/news/07212004.htm Samhain is t
Irish (Celtic) New Year Celtic priests went into the woods on New Year’s Eve to gather bunches of mistletoe, which they handed out to the people for protection against any harm. They also lit bonfires to drive away evil forces. They believed that it was safer to stay indoors as fairies were abroad on New Year’s Eve. Irish girls would go to bed and place sprigs of mistletoe, or holly, and ivy leaves under their pillows, in hope of a dream about their future husbands. They might also chant: “Oh, Ivy Green and Holly Red, Tell Me, Tell Me, Whom I shall Wed!” On New Year’s Eve, a large loaf of Christmas bread or cake was taken outside the house and hammered against the closed doors and windows, to drive out any misfortune and let happiness in. If they ate a very large supper that evening, it is believed that they would have plenty of food for the coming year. http://www.azirishmusic.com/news/07212004.htm Samhain is t
