First Feature:
Irish Christmas
Traditions
Part 2 of 3
Irish Public Service Announcement
Wells of Life
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Jim McDonough
All Things Irish Blog
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First Feature:
Irish Christmas Traditions
Part Three:
The Wren Boys and
St. Stephen's Day
St Stephen's Day, December 26 is one of nine official Holidays in Ireland. In Northern Ireland and throughout the United Kingdom, the day is also known as Boxing Day,
also an official Holiday.
The Feast Day of St. Stephen commemorates the
first Christian Martyr. 
He was stoned to death by an angry mob
under the auspices
of Saul of Tarsus, who later became St. Paul.
In
Ireland, the day after Christmas is a common day
for visiting friends
and family
and hosting neighbors and family. In Ireland, in some
districts, the gentry would have
a kind of open house and offer food to
the neighbors. We have also heard of open houses at
some parishes but
we have no written source for that. We do know the custom of visiting
and being called upon by relatives and friends was very common
throughout Ireland and is carried on to this day.
The open house custom
the day after Christmas extended
to Irish-America and is still fairly
common in Texas and
the Southern US.
The Wren Boys are also a
prominent fixture in Irish lore on
St. Stephen's Day. The practice of a
group of singing boys going around from house to house on St.
Stephen's Day
was a long held tradition in Ireland for hundreds of
years.
The wren, the wren, the king of all birds,
On Saint Stephen's Day was caught in the furze.
Up with the kettle and down with the pan,
Pray give us a penny to bury the wren.
...Traditional Irish Verse
Sometimes the boys would go around in costumes, or deck themselves in straw and blackface. In 1840, the Mayor of Cork issued a proclamation against the
signing processions of boys on the grounds of the cruelty inflicted on
the hapless wren.
The two most common reasons for the custom are both
Irish Legends. The first is that it was a wren who inadvertently
gave away
the hiding place of the aforementioned St. Stephen, the early Christian
martyr.
The second legend of the origin of the custom goes back about 1100 hundred years to the Norse invasions. A
group of native Irish were going to counter attack a Norse stronghold
and
their hiding place was given away by a wren who pecked on a drum
that had some crumbs of bread dropped upon it.
In both versions of the
legends, the boys seek revenge on the wren for its betrayal.
For better or for worse, only
in the past 30 to 40 years is this custom fading from popular culture in
Ireland.
THIS WAS THE THIRD AND FINAL PART of our
Irish Traditions series.
Nollaig Shona Duit Agaibh Do Gach Duine
Our GREETINGS BANNER at the top of
this issue is Irish Gaelic for...
"Merry Christmas to You
and to Everyone"...
It is pronounced...
Nollig honna gwits agiv doe gak dwina...
Here is a link to last week's Irish E-Missive.
Archive/IrishNews/E-Missive#9
Thanks for reading us. Merry Christmas! ED
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Irish News USA Public Service Block WELLS OF LIFE
Recently we profiled Nick Jordan and Wells of Life,
a 501C3 Non Profit Foundation, as our First Feature.
We have spoken to Nick Jordan, the co-founder of
Wells of Life, again since we published that small story
and he gave us a great challenge and goal for our
Weekly Irish E-Missive Readers and Friends of the
Irish News & Entertainment.
Nick Jordan and Children in Uganda
this weekly and our paper to drill and dedicate an
IRISH NEWS USA READERS WELL in Uganda.
We are working on Nick's challenge. We have made this
our Christmas Project. The program is an astonishing bargain. A well to reach precious water and to change
the lives of hundreds of people costs only $3000.
The foundation has a matching funds program with one of their corporate sponsors so that our advertisers, readers
and staff can act together to raise the remaining $1500
and we will be able to help drill a specific well in Uganda.
By "specific" we mean that a particular well will be dedicated to our efforts and it will be known as the
IRISH NEWS USA READERS WELL.
Your donation is tax deductible. It is Christmas and it is
near the end of the year. It is a perfect time to do this.
We need your help. Wells of Life has set up a
separate account to track all donations from us or our readers. Please mention that you are part of the
Irish News USA Readers Group. You can talk to Luanne
at Nick Jordan's office for details.
(contact info follows this story)
When we finish this appeal; we will run a Full Page
Thank You ad in the Irish News and we will gratefully acknowledge your contribution. Later, as the project progresses, we are going to run a feature in the Irish News Weekly here and in our print edition about the actual drilling of the well; so you will see your good deed in action.
You can help a lot by simply sending this story on to your
list too; VIRAL MEDIA IS REMARKABLE!
Your forward may end up being seen by hundreds of viewers. We have picked up readers to this service from around the world since we started less than three months ago by folks like you who are kind enough to take the time
to send it on. This is a worthy project so please help.
Make a check to WELLS OF LIFE for any amount
and send it to:
WELLS OF LIFE
1278 Glenneyre Stree, #60,
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone: 949 584-6166
Email:
info@wellsoflifeafrica.org
Hours:
8:00am - 8:00pm (PST)
You can also donate OnLine. In all cases; make sure you mention our group so we can include you in the acknowledgment features.
If you can afford to do so; please send in the entire
amount of $1500 for a well dedicated to whoever you choose and we will still include you in our list of donors to our designated IRISH NEWS USA READERS WELL.
More information at:
www.wellsoflifeafrica.org
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This
part of the newsletter is provider at no cost
to non-profits and/or
groups or businesses that
are promoting Celtic Cultural, Educational or
Humanitarian Projects. To submit an idea for
a featured listing; E-Mail us at:
celticlistings@aol.com or call:785 341-6923 |
Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year to Everyone!!
Special Thanks to All Our Customers and Friends
and IRISH NEWS USA Readers for making
2009 another great year!
Terry McCartan, Sales Manager
Looking for a NEW ACURA
Why buy
anywhere else but METRO ACURA/HONDA? 
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! Unlimited Mileage and Unlimited Time of Ownership ! Get your BEST
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Protection! Special Holiday Offer EXTENDED;
Make a great deal and we will give you a
Special Celtic Christmas Gift Pack as an added Bonus!!*Call and make your appointment TODAY. Ask for Terry McCartan
909-447-6000 tmccartan@metroacura.dealercrm.com
www.metroacura.com
*Offer Good Through 1/15/2010
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SAVE THE DATES...
Saturday and Sunday
March 6 & 7 |
The first weekend in March has been set for the
SEVENTH ANNUAL Los Angeles County
IRISH DAYS AT FAIRPLEX
Details and Information will be posted
starting next week.
For details and information;
participants and vendors can contact:
Pageantry Productions
11904 Long Beach Blvd.
Lynwood, CA
Ask for Beth at
310 537-4240
Click here...
www.Irish Village and more
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Irish News USA CALENDAR
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Listings By Date...
Now through
Thursday, December 24
Muldoon's Pub's IRISH DICKENS'
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
2009 marks the 22nd Year
for this Yuletide Favorite
Space is Limited - Don't Miss It -
Call Now to Book Reservations
Now through Sunday, December 27
Call for times and tickets or go OnLine
Dr. Seuss' HOW THE GRINCH
STOLE CHRISTMAS!
The Musical
Great Family Fun!
The Los Angeles Premiere of Broadway's
#1 Holiday Hit stars John Larroquette and
Stefan Karl as THE GRINCH!
The Musical features the hit songs
"You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and
"Welcome Christmas" from the original
animated series.
Box Office: 323-468-177
 GrinchTickets/Info
The Pantages Theatre
Sunday, December 27
7:00pm
Holiday Lights Tour along the waterfront and neighborhoods of Long Beach, Belmont
Shore and Naples. The cost is only $10, must call and make a reservation.
Drinks after at O'Malley's Pub if we get enough in our group. The pick up is at the SEAPORT MARINA HOTEL
at PCH & 2nd. St. in Long Beach.
Call Peter at the BIG RED BUS
562 852-9888
www.bigredbus.com
Tuesday, December 29
Cleary Irish Dancers will be performing
at the Alex Theater, Glendale with Media City Ballet.
Media City Ballet World Christmas Show
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Cleary Irish Dancers will be performing at Disneyland!
Details online at:
www.clearyirishdance.com
Friday, January 8, 2010
8:00pm |
JOHN McCUTCHEON in concert;
presented by the California Traditional Music Society.
Encino Community Center
Encino, CA
Tickets $22.00-$30.00
Phone: 818 817-7756
www.ctmsfolkmusic.org
Special Offer...
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIVE MUSIC!
Free tickets and discounts available if you act now!
Concert tickets make excellent gifts for your family
and friends!
With any online order you place through us before December 25th we will automatically send you a
free pair of tickets to use for one of our upcoming
concerts (tickets will be mailed to you and restrictions
do apply). Be sure to use the codes below while
ordering online.
HOLIDAY DISCOUNT CODES:
Expires 12/31/09 at midnight
Reserved tickets for $25.00 (Code: REJOHNM)
General Admission tickets for $15.00 (Code: GAJOHNM)
For more information, visit:
http://panioloproductions.com
Riverdance Returns
January 12 to 24, 2010
RIVERDANCE, the thunderous celebration of Irish music,
song
and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling
millions of people around the globe, is returning for ONLY 16 Farewell
Performances in
Los Angeles at the Pantages.
"A Phenomenon of Historic Proportions!" raves the Washington Post (6/10/07). Discover why nothing in the world compares to
"The Original International Phenomenon!"
Whether it's your first time or your fifth, you won't
want to miss these great performances of RIVERDANCE.
Riverdance/Pantages
Your business or event could be
featured here...
Contact us for details...
IrishNewsUSA MediaKit
ON-Going...
An Claidheamh Soluis
The Celtic Arts Center
EVERY MONDAY NIGHT WORKSHOPS & SEISIÚN
Please join us Monday nights at our new meeting place...
T. U. Studios or Theatre Unlimited
10943 Camarillo Street
North Hollywood, CA
Please continue the website for any possible class .and
event schedule adjustments.
CelticArtsCenter.com
FIRST TUESDAY of EVERY MONTH
at 9.45 am
Friends of Ireland
Informal
meeting of folks who love All Things Irish. and enjoy breakfast and
meeting socially. Each guest pays for their own meal. No dues.
Group meets at the
Katella Deli
4470 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos Ca
Info: pbeireanua@att.net
Phone: 714 557-8983 .
This Irish/Celtic Calendar is a free service
to our readers. Please send suggestions
and submissions to:
celticlistings@aol.com
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A pair of tickets t o
Riverdance
at the
Pantages Theater
Easy to enter!
Simply E-mail us
your name
and address...
On the subject line write,
Riverdance
E-Mail us at: irishnewsusa@aol.com
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Pubs of the Week:
Sponsored byPubGuide.comThe Pubs Featured this week are all doing
something special for this Holiday Season.
Drop by and join in the Christmas Festivities
and plan now for New Year's Eve & Day!
Come see ALL the Games in HDTV Live Music most days! Join us for your Holiday Party... The Harp Inn is available for parties, fundraisers and functions. We can cater for
any occasion and provide food and music. Our Annual New Year's Party is fast approaching. Call Now! 130 E. 17th Street Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949646-8855 www.harpinn.com The King's Head Pub
and ShoppeJoin us for Happy Hour; Monday thru Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Drink and Appetizer Specials in the Pub ONLY Special Christmas Eve CelebrationsSnow, Drinks AND SANTA!You are invited to join in on our double New Year's Eve Fun!! British New Year at 4:00pm PST. Count down all evening for our Midnight Celebration! The King's Head Shoppe is right next to the pub in the heart of Santa Monica. Skip the malls, have lunch or Afternoon Tea and shop this year with no stress. King's Head Pub and Shoppe
116 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA
310 451-1402yeoldekingshead.com
Muldoon's PubDrop by anytime in December and enjoy a great lunch or dinner and top it off with a glass of Muldoon's authentic Wassel! Make Plans to Entertain at Muldoon's for the Holidays!
Use the festive backdrop to give your guests a real Holiday atmosphere
You won't have to decorate or cook! Just give them a call to arrange Holiday gatherings
of all sizes for your family, friends or business associates.
Call 949 640-4110 Ask for Mary!
*NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY* NO COVER - LIVE MUSIC -
PARTY FAVORS & NOISE MAKERS - MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW!!!! Muldoon's Pub & Celtic Bar 202 Newport Center Dr. Newport Beach, CA 949 640-4110 www.muldoonspub.com
If you have a
favorite pub that you would like us to
list and profile; please
contact:jim@pubguide.com Have you missed an issue of IrishNews USA E-Missive? If so; click here for last weeks newsletter:
IrishNews USA #9 |
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Need Loan or Real Estate Advice?
May we recommend...
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REALTOR®
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| Letter from the Publisher
Dear IRISH NEWS USA Readers,
For Christmas, all we want is your help
in raising the money to drill a clean
water well in Uganda.
Please respond the appeal in our Public Service Block above.
*************************************
The Annual Irish News Christmas Issue is out!
You can still find a copy at most of our advertisers.Our CELTIC CHRISTMAS BUYING GUIDE might
have just what you need to make this year
a great Irish Christmas to remember!
We can E-mail you a PDF File that is a
complete copy of our print edition. Just send
a note with your E-mail address to us.
Our E-mail address for this offer is:
celticlistings@aol.com
*********************************************************
E-Missives of Irish Interest is a FREE service provided by the Irish News & Entertainment.
Let us know how we can better serve your interests by contacting us by E-mail or regular mail.
A new or renewal subscription to our print edition
MAKES A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT
and can be obtained by mailing $20 to:
Irish News
Box 882
Pasadena, CA 91102
You will receive 8 issues per year mailed
First Class US Mail
You also receive a FREE Irish Music CD
with your first copy.
Overseas postage is $12. more per year.
Merry Christmas and Happy 2010!
Jim McDonough,
Publisher
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Jim's All Things Irish Blog
This weekly blog
features events, news
and commentary and is written
by Irish News &
Entertainment
Publisher, Jim McDonough.
It is a lively, slightly irreverent approach
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You can sign up on the blog and you will be
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if there is breaking news.
JimsAllThingsIrishBlog
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I have another blog with a more somber message.
Skip A Meal and you might live longer and save a life.
Please have a look.
EconomicsOfChaos
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