The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

ST. STEPHEN'S DAY -- DECEMBER 26

ST. STEVEN'S (SIC) DAY WAS A MEMORABLE DAY IN IRELAND. IT'S
SOMETHING LIKE OUR HALLOWEEN, ONLY ADULTS AND TEENS PARTICIPATED
IN IT. THEY CAME TO EVERY HOUSE AND SANG:
THE WREN, THE WREN, THE KING OF ALL THE BIRDS,
ST. STEVEN'S DAY HE WAS CAUGHT IN THE FURZE.
ALTHOUGH HE IS LITTLE, HIS FAMILY IS GREAT.
I PRAY YOU YOUNG LADY TO GIVE US A TRAIT (TREAT)
SING HOLLY, SING WY, SING WY, SING HOLLY
TO KEEP A BAD CHRISTMAS IT IS BUT A FOLLY
FOR CHRISTMAS COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR
AND WHEN IT COMES IT BRINGS GOOD CHEER.
THE PEOPLE OFTEN CARRIED WRENS THAT THEY CAUGHT THE DAY BEFORE
ON A STICK AS THEY WENT FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE THAT NIGHT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; IRELAND

Date learned: 11-18-1970