Nollaig na mBan Womens Little Christmas |
|
In celebration of the feast of the Epiphany in Ireland, January 6th is marked
by Nollaig na mBan or Women's Little Christmas.
On this day it is the tradition in Ireland for the women to get together and
enjoy their own Christmas, while the men folk stay at home and handle all the
chores. It is also common for children to buy their mothers and grandmothers
presents on this day, though this custom is gradually being overtaken by Mothers
Day.
Although Nollaig na mBan is slowly dying out in many parts of Ireland, in Co.
Cork on the South West coast, the tradition is still very strong. Many bars
and restaurants in Cork City report
a near 100% female clientele on this day, as the Corkonian women meet up with
girl friends, sisters, aunts and mothers to celebrate their own little Christmas
with Nollaig na mBan.
|
