Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-05-22
HOLIDAYS IN IRELAND.
Curious Old Customs Described to the
Archaeological Society.

The holiday customs of Ireland" was the
subject of carefully prepared paper which
was read last evening by Mr.. James Mooney
before the AnthrOpological society. He pre-
faced the paper by stating that from newspaper
accounts it might be supposed that there was
nothing IN Ireland to engage the attention ex-
cept evictiOns and land troubles, but the fact
Is, there is bright side of life. as shown by
the number of festivals observed. many OF
which are purely Kettle in origin. He confined
his remarks to the principal holiday customs,
excepting those belonging to the purely Chris
tian holidays. The first is st. Bridget's day,
which is celebrated on the LIST of February.
This holiday, he said. is the survival of the fire
worship which prevailed in pagan Europe, and
Is the first of the five great fire festivals of the
year. The custom prevails on st. BrIdgets eve
TO bake a cake, and ON the next day figure
representing st. Bridget is carried about, and a
rope called st. Bridgets girdle, both of which
are supposed to be efficacious in driving away
evil spirits, both from men and animals.
ST. PATRICK's DAY.
The present observance of St. Patrick's Day
has little to do with the ancient customs relat-
ing to that day. He said that there had been a
dispute as to whether St. Patrick was born on
the 8th or 9th of March. and this discussion
leading to violence and disorder, an ingenious
priest, according to tradition, suggested that no
man could have two birthdays unless he was
twin. and so they had better compromise. As
and added together made II, that should be
declared St. Patrick's birthday. and SO it has
been ever since.
Hay day. celebrated the 1st of May. is the
festival marking the beginning of summer.
This was a fire festival. and the lighting of bon
fires Is still an important feature. In addition
to the fires, May poles were anciently set up,
but owing to the scarcity of timber that feature
OF the festival has been abandoned except in a
few sections. He mentioned the MAY days and
the curious practices in vogue to prevent
witches from stealing butter, &c.
THE UNLUCKY SEASON
is marked by the festival of Whitsuntide which
occurs about the end of June. No one goes on
journey or begins any work during this
period. st. Johns eve. occurs June 23 and is
the midsummer night. Mr.. Mooney spoke of
the burning of bones in the bon-fires so as to
make the atmosphere offensive and drive away
the dragons. He thought that the name bon
fire had Its origin from this circumstance.
The ess1yist spoke OF the holidays OF Hallow-
zen. 81. Martins day, and St. Stephens day.
and the curious customs and Observances which
are connected with those festivals The paper
was listened to with close attention and was
followed by discussion.
the election of the following to membership
was announced: DIR. VIM. 4. Hammond Dr. r.
VI. LanghOrn, OF Philadelphia. and A. :. Wilets
the assistant secretary of Agriculture. The
resignation of Ar. s. V. PrOudht. the general
secretary. was accepted with regret, and Dr.
Frank Baker was elected in his place.