In Ireland, Christmas is also called by the word, Nollaig, which means “birthday” – as a predominately Catholic country, the Emerald Isle is the home of many touching (and fun!) Yuletide rituals and celebrations.
A traditional Irish Christmas is focused on church, family and friends, as well as selective outings in the local community.
While Ireland’s version of Christmas is quite similar to Christmases experienced in America, Canada, England, Scotland and Wales, there are some unique traditions that set the Emerald Isle apart…
Read on to learn more about how the Irish celebrate this special holiday…and to enjoy a couple of lovely Irish Christmas songs…
Light a Candle on Christmas Eve…
In an Irish home, on Christmas Eve, a large candle is often placed near the front window – the candle’s flame is meant to evoke a spirit of welcome.
Once, Mary and Joseph travelled through the dark night, looking for shelter…luckily, they stumbled upon a kindly Bethlehem innkeeper who was willing to put them up in his stable.
There was no room at the inn, but Joseph and Mary still had a rough-hewn stable roof over their heads as Jesus was born.
Perhaps Mary and Joseph once saw the flicker of a candle in the innkeeper’s window, and were grateful for the possibility of help and shelter on that very important night…
Now, many Irish people honor the innkeeper’s kindness and humanity (and the birth of their Saviour) by burning their own candles on Christmas Eve. This centuries-old ritual may also signify the Winter Solstice…
Many Irish families also use holly to create wreaths and other adornments for their home – traditionally, holly was a popular choice with less-affluent families…it was cheap and easy to find.
Decorations made of holly are meant to be left up until early January – in fact, superstition dictates that taking these decorations down before January 6th will bring a spate of bad luck…
Modern Irish Christmas Traditions…
Would you enjoy taking a refreshing dip in an icy river? If you might, you may be a prime candidate for the South Dublin “Christmas Dip” – this yearly event brings die-hard swimmers together to frolic in the frigid Irish Sea.
If you’re around Sandycove, South Dublin this December 25th, be sure to don your swimsuit and test your mettle in the freezing cold waters.
You’ll be assured of an encouraging audience as you take the plunge…it will be surreal to remove your coat and line up for a dip, while an audience stands watching (all bundled up in their parkas and winter gloves).
Not for the faint of heart, the Christmas Dip is a fun and lighthearted way to be a part of the Dublin community on Christmas Day…you may need a hot cup of tea (or something a little stronger) afterwards!
Other Traditions and Celebrations
Music and cultural events abound in Dublin (and all over Ireland) during the days leading up to December 25th.
One example of a classic and meaningful Christmas activity is The Irish Baroque Orchestra presents Handel’s Messiah – this concert is scheduled for tonight (Dec. 7th, 2011) at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin.
This annual concert is a beautiful way to experience the wonders of Handel’s Messiah in a spiritual (and very Irish) atmosphere…
Every December, Christ Church Cathedral also offers a fun Christmas Market and lots of other exciting musical concerts…
Ireland’s Farmleigh estate (which was purchased by the wealthy Guinness family) is another excellent venue for pleasant Christmas activities.
This year, the stately Georgian manor is home to a traditional concert on December 13th and 14th – the Velvet Tones (featuring The Christmas Belles) will croon the night away, as revelers enjoy the sounds of the season, surrounded by gorgeous architecture and furnishings…
Thrill Her With Traditional Irish Jewelry This Christmas…
We can’t all experience the pleasures of an Irish Christmas by visiting the Emerald Isle during the winter holiday season; however, there are other ways to capture the meaning and spirit of Christmas in Ireland.
Traditional Irish jewelry is a perfect gift choice that features ancient symbols of Christian faith. Our Diamond & Emerald Claddagh and Celtic Cross combines romantic Claddagh symbols (which illustrate love and loyalty) with a classic, ringed Celtic Cross design.
Crafted from the finest materials, this exceptional piece is handmade in Ireland and stamped at the Assay Office of Dublin Castle.
Merry Christmas from Irish Celtic Jewels!