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Most cultures have their own forms of superstitions that are a part of everyday life. Some even have superstitions around holidays. This is true of the Celtic nations. They have several superstitions around the winter holidays, from Christmas to New Year and beyond.
Greenery
Celtic cultures use greenery as decoration to represent
certain things and to bring blessings to their household. Holly is seen as a
source of protection. In olden days, the poor would gather holly and make it
into a ring, which became the precursor to wreaths. These wreaths are believed
to ward off evil spirits. Mistletoe is believed to bring fertility and
blessings to the house.
Log and tree traditions
The Yule log is an essential part of Celtic culture,
especially in Scotland. It is believed that if the log stays lit for 12 days,
it is a sign of good luck. Scottish people will throw sprigs from a rowan tree
into the fire to start the new year fresh and to cast off negative feelings
about others. They would also throw an oak log into the fire. If the oak log
stayed lit for 12 days, the eldest son of the family would have strength.
First Footing
This tradition takes place around Hogmanay in Scotland. On
the first day of the new year, whoever is the first visitor of the house will
determine the family’s luck that year. If the first person to enter the house
is blonde, the family will have bad luck. This stems from the Vikings invading
Celtic lands. If someone with darker hair is the first to enter the home, the
family will have good luck that year.
Nollaig Na mBan
Nollaig na mBan, also known as “Little Christmas” or “Women’s
Christmas,” is a day where women get to relax and men have to plan the festivities
for the day. It is bad luck for people to take down their Christmas trees
before this day.
Food
In Brittany, it is believed that bread baked on Christmas
night would last for two years. Some say that it is good luck to eat a mince
pie each of the 12 days of Christmas, which ends on January 6 at Epiphany.
Wren Day
Wren Day celebrations take place on December 26 each year in
Ireland and the Isle of Mann. Killing a wren is said to bring poverty and
misery to the rest of the person’s life. If a wren was buried near the door to
enter your home, your household would have no luck for the next year.
Scottish Christmas Monster
It is believed that there is a Christmas monster in Scotland
on the Isle of Islay. This monster is said to be 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. He is a goat-like creature
with two horns on his head. If children are caught misbehaving, they will be
beaten with sticks, their gifts will be stolen, and they may even be devoured
by the monster.
Related Articles:
-Modern Celtic Christmas Songs: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/12/modern-celtic-christmas-songs.html
-Celtic Christmas Carols: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/12/celtic-christmas-carols.html
-Album Review: "Nollaig-A Christmas Journey" by Celtic Woman: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/12/album-review-nollaig-christmas-journey.html