Little Christmas ~ Nollaig na mBan
It is hard to say where and when this tradition began in Ireland Nollaig na mBan is celebrated in some parts of the country more than others and there are often different family traditions depending on the family. But traditionally, on January 6th, housewives hung up their aprons and headed out with female family and friends to celebrate a day off while the men looked after the chores.
Little Christmas was the women’s Christmas. We, the women, are supposed to do nothing on Little Christmas, the men do it. We could do whatever we like. There was the old tradition back in the thirties, forties and fifties. We did that in my home town, here in Ireland and in the United States.
It was always a day off. You would be delighted to know that there was something left over. You could go back again and help yourself later in the day.
Did the men cook for you that day?
No. There were plenty of leftovers.
And from a male contributor…
There were a lot of women who didn’t want the bother of it. Those few days was busy enough. It wasn’t carried out much here. It was carried out by some people but not many. They’d had enough, with the 24th and 25th and 26th. They were glad to be rid of it.
I think it’s a great idea.
Oh yes it was a great idea.
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Continue on to Page 6: Some Christmas ‘stories’ ~ Roinnt Scéalta Nollag