Questions about Calendar Customs (New Year and St Brigid's Eve and Day)

Reference code: FOL.QUES/8
Level of description: Series
Title: Questions about Calendar Customs (New Year and St Brigid's Eve and Day)
Scope and content: NEW YEAR
1. Describe the customs observed on New Year’s Eve.
2. Describe the customs observed on New Year’s Day.
3. Was the giving or lending of an article or substance avoided at the New Year? YES/NO
Describe the article or substance involved.
Why was such giving or lending to be avoided?
4. Was the removal of ashes from the house to be avoided at the New Year? YES/NO
5. Were any other household tasks to be avoided at the New Year, and why?
6. Was it believed that certain actions could bring health or luck for the New Year? YES/NO
Describe any such action.
7. Did children take round any objects (e.g. a twist or plait of straw) to neighbouring houses? YES/NO
Describe and name the object involved.
Did the children recite a verse at each house? YES/NO (If so, please write it down on the back of this sheet if you can remember it).
Were the children rewarded in any way?
ST. BRIGID’S EVE AND DAY (1st February)
1. How was this day celebrated?
2. If crosses were made, describe how and when they were made, the materials used and the pattern of the finished crosses.
3. What was done with these crosses after they had been made?
For how long were they kept?
4. Was a different pattern of cross used for the byre or stable from that used for the dwelling? YES/NO
5. Describe any special ceremonies connected with the making and use of these crosses.
6. Was any special food eaten at this time?
Was any date in February or March connected in any way with birds and their activities? YES/NO
Which date(s)
Please give details.