Like many countries around the world, the Celtic nations
have their own traditions, many of which are echoed in other traditions,
including the United States. Traditional Celtic celebrations have evolved over
the centuries, but many still pay homage to the celebrations of Christmases
past.
Like many people around the world, those in the Celtic
nations attend Christmas Eve and Christmas mass. However, this was not always
the case in Scotland. Christmas was banned in Scotland for 400 years. Scotland
split from the Catholic church and any festivities related to Christmas and Yule
were banned. The Church of Scotland wanted to part ways with the “extravagance”
of these festivities. It was finally declared a public holiday in 1958 in
Scotland.
While each individual Celtic nation has its own
celebrations, there are a few commonalities that overlap. Candles in the window,
which are more of a focus than a Christmas tree, represent guiding Mary and
Joseph to Bethlehem. There is also a traditional Celtic ritual of putting a
candle in the window to guide spirits as they go along to help them find their
way.
Besides the candle, there are other symbols of the holiday. Holly
and ivy wreaths are placed in the house to ward off evil. Christmas tree decorations
honored three deities (Sun, Moon, and Star) as well as those who passed on. Christmas
gifts originated with Winter Solstice where clans and their Chieftans exchanged
gifts to renew ties of friendship
Mari Lwyd
This tradition takes place in Wales. A group of men carry a
skeletal horse costume that has been decorated with ribbon and has a mouth that
is able to open. The group goes house to house and has a poetry or rap battle
in the Welsh language and sings songs.
Scotland
In Scotland, the Winter Solstice is celebrated for 12 days.
The burning of a branch of a Rowan tree symbolized burning bad thoughts. The yule
log kept burning, symbolizing good luck. As mentioned above, in 1958, Christmas
in Scotland began being celebrated on December 25th.
The Scottish Christmas Monster is from the Isle of Islay and
is similar to Krampus. Children were warned to behave or “Crom Dubh na Nollaig”
(translated to the Dark Crooked One of Christmas) might pay them a visit.
Ireland
In Ireland, people attend Christmas Eve mass like many
around the world. They also have a Christmas mass, which is more children-centered.
Children can show off gifts and toys they receive. Back in olden times, people would
rub the tail of a herring across the eyes of children to prevent future
disease. This is not practiced today. However, people do go for a Christmas
swim in cold waters nearby.
Like in other Celtic countries, Ireland puts candles in the window for decorations. However, Ireland has its own meanings behind this. It could mean that the family wanted a priest to sing mass for them since public mass was prohibited from 1695 to the 1900s. A candle could also mean that the family had extra food to share. Candles also honored St. Peter.
Food
Like in other countries, the food at Christmas is important
to the Celtic nations. Many eat mince pies, which represent Jesus’ crib, are made with shredded
or minced meat. The added cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg represent the three Wise
Men. It is considered good luck to eat a mince pie each of the 12 days of
Christmas (ending January 6 at Epiphany).
The practice of leaving food out for Santa to eat comes from
the tradition of leaving food for Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem
In Brittany, one of the main dishes is shellfish and buckwheat
Crêpes and cream. They have a Yule log for dessert. Bretons believe that bread
baked on Christmas night was good for 2 years.
In Ireland, the Christmas feast features turkey, ham, chicken, dressing, potatoes (made any way), Brussels sprouts, other veggies, and Christmas pudding. Colcannon is also common. Children are often given a “selection box” filled with chocolate.
In Scotland, they usually eat a braided Yule bread or a Yule
loaf, which is unleavened bread with carraway in the shape of the sun. Treacle (a
pale cane syrup) scones are also popular.
Christmas Decorations
Christmas decorations are an important part of the
celebrations. In some part of Ireland, it is considered bad luck to put tree up
before December 8 and take it down before January 8 (some sources say January
6). People put up lights and holly and ivy are put on mantels and in doorways.
In Scotland, candles in windows honor the Holy Family’s
search for a place to stay. Mistletoe is said to bring fertility to the family.
Related Articles
-Winter Solstice and Yule: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2024/12/winter-solstice-and-yule.html
-Samhain: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2024/11/samhain.html
-Gifts to Buy for Someone Who Loves Celtic Culture: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2024/12/gifts-to-buys-for-someone-who-loves.html