Roinnt Scéalta Nollag ~ Some Christmas ‘stories’
Bread was left out on the table on Christmas Eve
Bread was put on the table on Christmas Eve. Mostly it was for Santy.
Bread or biscuits. It was done long ago but not now. Now it’s something for Santy. It’s to entice Santy to leave something more. That hasn’t changed.
The byre was decorated and animals might talk on Christmas Eve
Animals were supposed to be able to talk on Christmas Eve and the ass would kneel down at twelve o’clock but no-one ever went out to see. It’s just a Christmas story.
I’ve never heard of the byre being decorated but after milking, someone would always come in and say God bless the cows.
If somebody was buying a new animal they expected someone to say, God bless, whatever animal it was. The fella knew what he wanted said when he bought a new animal. He wanted the animal blessed with holy water.
And then there was churning. You had to take a turn. If it didn’t churn there was bad company who was bringing no benefit.
It’s a good sign if the Cock crows at midnight on Christmas Eve
I’ve heard the story that it’s a good sign if the cock crows at midnight on Christmas Eve.
When we were small, if we heard the cock crow at night, it used to make you shiver. They have a temper, they are good strong birds.
It might be thinking of the Christmas dinner!
A Green Christmas makes a fat churchyard
I’ve heard that. So much rain makes for mild weather. It’s not good for people’s health. It’s the frost and snow brings health.
In the big snow of ‘47, nobody died. Not one was talking about having a cold or a cough or anything like that. Not one! Good healthy air.
When it snowed on Christmas Eve, geese were being plucked in Heaven.
Well. It must have been artificial snow.
A new moon on Christmas Eve is lucky.
I’ve heard it talked about; the prospect of good weather at the new moon.
Take a wisp of straw from the crib as a blessing
Yes, that’s right, a little piece of straw. It was the blessing.
Drink three sips of salted water before dinner to bring health.
Perhaps before going to the pub,,,,
I have heard of that.
You can wash your feet in salty water. That makes more sense.
And just a few final thoughts from contributors to Candles in the Window.
God is good, but never dance in a small boat.
May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.
May the hinges of our friendship never go rusty.
May you get all of your wishes but one, so you always have something to strive for.
May those who love us, love us, And those that don’t, love us. May God turn their hearts.. And if he doesn’t, may he turn their ankles So we’ll know them by their limping.
When the roaring flames of your love have burned down to embers, may you find that you’ve married your best friend.
As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way
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