Yuletide Day 26
As we wind down from the excitement of the Yuletide Calendar, we’re thrilled to announce the winners of this season’s challenges and share some cherished Irish traditions tied to this special time of year.
Roskilmanor Wren Boys
(Click image for more information about them)
Today is St. Stephen’s Day also known as Wren Day
December 26th is Wren Day or Lá an Dreoilín, celebrated on St. Stephen’s Day. This vibrant Irish tradition is steeped in history, blending ancient customs with modern celebration.
Why the Wren?
The wren holds a special place in Irish culture, symbolizing cleverness and resilience. In Celtic mythology, it was known as the “King of All Birds” after using its wits to outfly the eagle. However, with the rise of Christianity, tales emerged casting the wren as a betrayer.
One legend tells of the wren giving away St. Stephen’s hiding place, while another recounts its chirping revealing soldiers during battle. These stories led to the "hunting of the wren" as part of Wren Day. Today, the tradition honors the bird with effigies or symbolic references rather than actual hunting.
Why St. Stephen?
Celebrated on St. Stephen’s Day, Wren Day connects to the saint’s legacy as Christianity’s first martyr. Known for his generosity, St. Stephen symbolizes community and giving—values reflected in Wren Boys parades, where donations are collected for those in need.
The Wren Boys’ Festivities
Wren Boys dress in colorful mismatched costumes, sometimes with straw, ribbons, and masks, parading through towns with music and dancing. Their lively performances include singing “The Wren Song,” a playful ode to the bird:
"The wren, the wren, the king of all birds,
St. Stephen’s Day was caught in the furze..."
Modern Wren Day is a joyful celebration of community and culture, with places like Cork & Dingle hosting festivals to honor the tradition. It’s a reminder of the rich heritage that continues to thrive in Ireland today, while embracing the spirit of generosity, community, and cheer that ties so beautifully to the holiday season.
We were lucky to host the Roskilmanor Wren Boys at our pub earlier this year, and their lively performance brought an authentic Irish charm to the night! I was watching most of the time and forgot to take more photos, but I have included some glimpses of the fun below!
Roskilmanor Wren Boys in their festive attire, Feb. 2024
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Now on to this season’s winners!
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🌟12 Whiskeys Challenge Winners🌟
We decided to pull two names from the completed whiskey cards!
🌟Congratulations to Matthew Myers and Brad Simmons!
You’ve each won a High-End Whiskey Dinner for 4, which includes:
A premium whiskey flight, one appetizer, choice of entrée for each guest, and two desserts to share
Plus! You will take home a rare bottle of Drumshanbo Pinot Noir Cask Whiskey, courtesy of Adrian Webb Mortgage Advisors!
Everyone who completed their cards will also be invited to our high-end whiskey tasting with light bites event!
🌟Congratulations to:
Matt Laase, Ross Creech, Ron Wilhelm, James Powell, Roger Totten, Josh Gunderson, Brad Raybon, Jenn Raybon, Doreen Moore, and Kim Totten!
🌟Social Media Superstars🌟
Ross and Christine Creech shared the most posts featuring Tiny Tadhg this season! You’ll receive a complimentary dinner, drink, and dessert of choice as our thanks for spreading the festive cheer.
🌟Coloring Contest Winners🌟
To all the children who participated in Tiny Tadhg’s coloring contest—you’ll each receive a dessert of choice! We’ll be reaching out to everyone who provided legible phone numbers. 😉
🌟Tiny Tadhg’s Riddle Champs & Week 4 Answer🌟
Congratulations to Amanda Wright and Danelle Starkenburg! You answered Tiny Tadhg’s riddles correctly each week and, on top of the weekly prizes, you’ve also won a $50 gift card to Saints & Scholars for your dedication.
Week 4 Riddle Answer:
The Tradition of the Christmas Candle in the Window
A beautiful and heartfelt Irish Christmas traditions is the act of placing a single candle in the window on Christmas Eve. This simple yet profound gesture is steeped in history and carries layers of meaning, rooted in faith, hospitality, and hope.
A Beacon of Welcome
The candle in the window was historically a symbol of welcome, particularly for Mary and Joseph as they searched for shelter before the birth of Jesus. For Irish families, it became a way to show hospitality to travelers or anyone in need during the holiday season. A lit candle sent a clear message: “This home has warmth, kindness, and a place for you.”
Faith and Religious Significance
During times of religious persecution in Ireland, the candle took on a deeper significance. Catholics would place a lit candle in their window to signal to traveling priests that this was a safe house where Mass could be celebrated in secret. It became a quiet but powerful act of devotion and resistance.
A Modern Tradition of Light and Hope
Today, the candle in the window is a symbol of remembrance and hope. It’s often lit to welcome loved ones home or to honor those who are far away or no longer with us. It represents the warmth and unity of family and the enduring light of the Christmas spirit.
Whether electric or traditional, the candle’s glow continues to inspire connection, hospitality, and love, reminding us all of the importance of keeping the spirit of Christmas alive in our hearts and homes.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Yuletide posts this season! It’s been such a joy to share these stories, traditions, and special moments with you. We hope you’ve loved exploring Irish culture, festive customs, and the little bits of magic that make this season so meaningful.
If you’ve enjoyed following along, there’s more to come! We’ll be continuing with regular blog posts and diving deeper into the fascinating world of Irish whiskey in future features. There’s always another story to tell, and we can’t wait to have you along for the journey! 🍀✨
Holiday Hours & Events Reminder
Christmas Day: Closed
Monday, Dec 30: Open 12 PM–9 PM
New Year’s Eve: Open 12 PM–10 PM
Celebrate Irish New Year at 4 PM and New York New Year at 9 PM!
Nick Mardon will perform throughout the day.
Special NYE dinner, drink specials, and champagne toasts at each celebration (details coming soon!).
New Year’s Day: Open 12 PM–9 PM
Bloody Mary Bar: 10 AM–1 PM
Ladies’ Night: 6 PM–9 PM ($8 martinis & live music)
January 5th: Nollaig na mBan Afternoon Tea 12-4pm
