IRISH CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Ireland, like most countries, has a number of Christmas traditions that are all of its own. Many of these customs have their root in the time when the Gaelic culture and religion of the country were being supressed and it is perhaps because of that they have survived into modern times.
TRADITIONAL GAELIC SALUTATION
The Gaelic greeting for 'Merry Christmas' is:
'Nollaig Shona Duit'
Irish people spend more and more money each year on celebrating Christmas. In 2006, the total amount spent in Ireland to celebrate Christmas was €16 billion, which averages at approximately €4,000 for every single person in with the country. In recent years Christmas decorations have appeared in shops in late October side by side Halloween decorations. In 2009, Christmas radio adverts began on the last week in August.
Irish Christmas
Lighted candle Placed in window.
A distinctive feature of Christmas decorations is the very large candle placed near the front window and lighted on Christmas Eve. According to one belief, the candle long served as a symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph who sought shelter in vain on that first Christmas Eve. The ceremony of lighting the candle is one of simple ancient rituals during which prayers are said for the departed and the privilege of striking the match is usually given to a daughter named Mary. (Another tradition is that the candle be lighted by the youngest member of the family and snuffed out only by someone named Mary).
Ireland on Christmas day 2010
O' connel street, Dublin during Christmas time.
O'Connel bridge, Dublin.
Bank of Ireland College Green.
St Stephen's Green Centre.
Grafton Street
North Earl street.
Ireland, like most countries, has a number of Christmas traditions that are all of its own. Many of these customs have their root in the time when the Gaelic culture and religion of the country were being supressed and it is perhaps because of that they have survived into modern times.
TRADITIONAL GAELIC SALUTATION
The Gaelic greeting for 'Merry Christmas' is:
'Nollaig Shona Duit'
Irish people spend more and more money each year on celebrating Christmas. In 2006, the total amount spent in Ireland to celebrate Christmas was €16 billion, which averages at approximately €4,000 for every single person in with the country. In recent years Christmas decorations have appeared in shops in late October side by side Halloween decorations. In 2009, Christmas radio adverts began on the last week in August.
Irish Christmas
Lighted candle Placed in window.
A distinctive feature of Christmas decorations is the very large candle placed near the front window and lighted on Christmas Eve. According to one belief, the candle long served as a symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph who sought shelter in vain on that first Christmas Eve. The ceremony of lighting the candle is one of simple ancient rituals during which prayers are said for the departed and the privilege of striking the match is usually given to a daughter named Mary. (Another tradition is that the candle be lighted by the youngest member of the family and snuffed out only by someone named Mary).
Ireland on Christmas day 2010
O' connel street, Dublin during Christmas time.
O'Connel bridge, Dublin.
Bank of Ireland College Green.
St Stephen's Green Centre.
Grafton Street
North Earl street.
No comments:
Post a Comment