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Archiver > CountyCork > 1998-12 > 0912615632


From: Sullivan R&D <>
Subject: RE: IRISH CHRISTMAS
Date: Wed, 2 Dec 1998 11:20:32 -0500


Thanks for reminding me about that tradition Amy, it reminds me of when I was small. The reason is that - at least in our house, the youngest of the family lit the candle. And that was me!
Deirdra

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From: [SMTP:]
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 1998 10:15 AM
To:
Subject: Re: IRISH CHRISTMAS

Hi -
I always heard that the candle in the window was to give a signal to a priest
during the time of the penal laws. If the priest (who were in hiding) saw a
candle, he knew it was safe to enter and say Mass.

>From O Come Ye Back to Ireland by Niall Williams and Christine Breen - Santa
comes to the front door on Christmas Eve, leaves a pile of gifts and then
knocks loudly.

"Of all the traditions associated with Christmas Eve by far the most prevalent
today is the lighting of the coinneal mor na Nollag, or the big Christmas
candle. In each household the coinneal mor would be lit in darkness and placed
in the front room window to burn there until morning. The origin of the custom
is that the candle is lit to show Mary and Joseph that, unlike the inn at
Bethlehem, this house would always welcome them. In the same way it is
customary to leave all doors unlocked that evening and when going to bed to
leave some food in three dishes upon the kitchen table as a welcome for the
"travelers to Bethlehem" "

Amy

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