Wren boys - Lá an Dreoilín - The Year in Ireland with Áirc Damhsa

St. Stephen’s Day 26th December, Lá an Dreoilín. It's on this day that the Wren Boys hit the roads going from house to house, entertaining their neighbours and bestowing good luck upon their homes in return for some money. They travel in disguise, wearing costumes of old rags and ribbons, tattered clothes, straw, tinsel, tea towels, net curtains and their presence firmly marked with wild and joyous behaviour.
‘The wran, the wran the king of all birds
On St. Stephen’s Day was caught in the furze
Although he is little, his family is great
Put your hand in your pocket and give us a treat
Now up with the kettle and down with the pan
And give us a penny to bury the wran’.
The Year in Ireland is a project by the children at Áirc Damhsa Culture Club with Edwina Guckian documenting the folk traditions and calendar customs of Ireland. For more videos visit www.aircdamhsa.com/the-year-in-ireland
Supported by Arts Council Ireland YPCE