Holiday Traditions of Ireland

"Merry Christmas"

Holiday Traditions in Ireland

Christmas in Ireland is celebrated much like it is in the United Kingdom and the Western world, but the Irish have their own unique holiday traditions that make the season special. From traditional decorations to festive meals, Ireland’s Christmas traditions are steeped in history and community spirit.

Festive Decorations

Homes, businesses, and towns across Ireland are decorated with mistletoe, boughs of holly, colorful lights, and ribbons, as well as the traditional Christmas tree. One of the most iconic Irish holiday decorations is the wreath, or ring of holly, placed on the front door. This practice originated in Ireland, where holly thrives during the Christmas season, making it a natural choice for festive decor.

Advent Calendars and Gift Giving

Advent calendars are popular among children in Ireland, helping them count down the days until Christmas. Each day, a small door is opened to reveal a tiny treat or trinket, building anticipation for Christmas Day.

Around this time of year, it’s common for people to give a small gift of money to those who provide regular services, such as the postman, as a gesture of appreciation for their year-long service.

The Candle in the Window

One beloved Irish Christmas tradition is leaving a candle burning all night on the windowsill of the largest window in the house. This symbolizes welcoming Mary and Joseph as they sought shelter in Bethlehem. In some households, the candle can only be lit and extinguished by a girl named Mary, in honor of the Virgin Mary, a figure deeply revered in Ireland’s Catholic traditions.

Christmas Dinner

The Christmas dinner is often the largest meal of the year in Ireland. It typically features turkey, chicken, goose, or spiced beef, accompanied by sides such as stuffing, gravy, and potatoes. For dessert, traditional cakes filled with caraway seeds, fruit cakes, and Christmas pudding are common. After the meal, the table is set once again with bread, milk, and a lit candle as a sign of hospitality for passersby.

Midnight Mass and Christmas Day

On Christmas Eve, many families attend midnight mass, a deeply significant event in Ireland’s Catholic community. Each attendee receives a candle to light, contributing to the warm, glowing atmosphere of the church. After mass, families return home to prepare for Christmas Day.

On Christmas Day, children leave out sacks to be filled with toys by Santa Claus, and families gather around the Christmas tree to open presents and spend time together. A unique Irish tradition on Christmas Day is the Christmas Day Swim, where brave participants take a plunge in the cold sea, often wearing nothing but a swimsuit and a Santa hat!

St. Stephen’s Day – December 26th

The day after Christmas, December 26th, is known as St. Stephen’s Day. It’s a time for visiting family and friends, and many sporting events, including football and horse racing, take place on this day. St. Stephen is the patron saint of horses, making these activities particularly significant.

The Wren Boys Procession

Another tradition on St. Stephen’s Day is the Wren Boys Procession, or Wren Day. In this event, “wren boys” carry a pole with a holly bush tied to the top and go from house to house singing carols in exchange for treats or money. In ancient times, an actual wren would be hunted and placed on the pole, but today, a plastic or rubber wren is used instead.

Little Christmas and the Feast of Epiphany

Christmas decorations are usually taken down on Little Christmas, which falls on January 6th. It’s considered bad luck to remove decorations before this date. The Feast of Epiphany is also celebrated on this day, marking the visit of the wise men to the baby Jesus. In some parts of Ireland, women are encouraged to take a day off for themselves, while men take over the household duties, a tradition known as Women’s Little Christmas.

From festive decorations and candlelit windows to grand Christmas feasts and the Wren Boys Procession, Ireland’s holiday traditions are a reflection of the nation’s deep-rooted cultural and religious heritage, making Christmas a truly special time of year.

Holiday Traditions in Ireland

Video by Hazel Hayes

Traditional Irish Holiday Recipes

During Christmas in Ireland, families gather to enjoy festive meals that include hearty meats, rich desserts, and special breads. These recipes are steeped in Irish tradition and bring warmth to the holiday table. Here are a few authentic Irish holiday recipes:

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1. Spiced Beef

Spiced Beef is a traditional Irish dish served during Christmas. The beef is marinated for several days in a blend of spices and then slow-cooked to perfection, making it a flavorful centerpiece for the holiday feast.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs beef brisket
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon ground juniper berries (optional)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• Water (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the spices (pepper, allspice, cloves, juniper berries, ginger) with the brown sugar and salt.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the beef brisket, ensuring it is well coated. Place the brisket in a large dish, cover, and refrigerate for 5-7 days, turning the meat daily to ensure even marination.
3. After the marinating period, remove the brisket from the fridge and let it come to room temperature.
4. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the brisket in a large pot or roasting pan and add the red wine vinegar and enough water to cover the meat.
5. Add the bay leaves and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven.
6. Braise the beef for 3-4 hours, or until it is tender and fully cooked through.
7. Once cooked, remove the brisket from the liquid, allow it to rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve hot with sides like potatoes and vegetables.

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2. Irish Christmas Pudding

Irish Christmas Pudding is a rich, spiced dessert filled with dried fruits and nuts, traditionally served with a dollop of brandy butter. This iconic holiday treat is often made weeks in advance to allow the flavors to mature.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup currants
• 1/2 cup mixed peel (candied citrus peel)
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup stout (such as Guinness)
• 1/4 cup brandy or whiskey

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the raisins, currants, mixed peel, almonds, flour, breadcrumbs, brown sugar, and spices together.
2. Add the melted butter, beaten eggs, stout, and brandy (or whiskey) to the dry ingredients and stir well to combine.
3. Grease a pudding bowl or mold and pour the mixture into it, pressing it down gently.
4. Cover the bowl with a layer of parchment paper and aluminum foil, securing it tightly with string.
5. Place the pudding bowl in a large pot and fill the pot with water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the bowl.
6. Bring the water to a simmer, cover the pot, and steam the pudding for 4-5 hours, adding more water as needed to maintain the level.
7. Once the pudding is steamed, remove it from the pot and let it cool. Store in a cool, dry place until Christmas Day.
8. To serve, steam the pudding for 1-2 hours to reheat, then serve with brandy butter or custard.

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3. Barmbrack (Irish Fruit Bread)

Barmbrack is a traditional Irish fruit bread, often enjoyed during the Christmas season. It is a yeast-based loaf filled with dried fruits and flavored with warm spices, making it a perfect treat with tea.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup currants
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 cup strong brewed tea (for soaking fruit)

Instructions:

1. Soak the raisins and currants in the brewed tea for at least 1 hour, then drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir in the melted butter, beaten egg, and the yeast mixture.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add the soaked raisins and currants, kneading them into the dough.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
7. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in the prepared pan and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Let the barmbrack cool before slicing and serving with butter.

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4. Colcannon (Mashed Potatoes with Cabbage)

Colcannon is a traditional Irish side dish made with mashed potatoes, cabbage, and green onions. It’s often served during Christmas alongside meats like turkey or ham.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and milk.
2. In a separate pan, boil or steam the chopped cabbage until tender, then drain.
3. Fold the cabbage and chopped green onions into the mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot as a side dish with your Christmas meal.

These traditional Irish recipes bring the flavors and warmth of the holiday season to your table. Enjoy preparing and sharing these festive dishes with your family and friends during Christmas!

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