Old Drogheda Society Lecture

BRIGID’S CROSSES TO WREN BOYS

Customs and Traditions of the Festival Days in the Irish folklore calendar, beginning with St. Brigid’s Day (1 Feb).

Bairbre Ní Fhloinn Lecturer in Irish Folklore. U.C.D.

Wed 25 Jan 2012 8pm

Governor’s House, Millmount, Drogheda

February 1st is St. Brigid’s Day (Lá ‘Le Bríde) and in Irish tradition is the first major festival day of the year; a day on which ancient customs and rituals, probably going back to the old Celtic Quarter DayImbolc (pron. “Ivvolg”), are still practiced in many parts of the country. Leading folklorist Bairbre Ní Fhloinn, lectures on this and on the other festival days throughout the year in the Irish calendar which were marked by special rituals or customs, and tells us of their origins and associations and their international connections.

Bairbre Ní Fhloinn lectures in Irish Folklore in University College Dublin. Her research interests include occupational lore, folk belief and associated narratives, and aspects of the work and history of the National Folkore Collection, including Travellers and their traditions. She has also been active in the field of vernacular architecture and had a particular involvement with the Heritage Council’s Mayglass Project in Co. Wexford. She has contibuted to many radio and television programmes over the years, and has also studied folklore abroad, in Helsinki and in Sardinia.

Have a go at making your own St. Brigid’s Cross on the night!

Old Drogheda Society bookstall on the night.

www.millmount.net 041 9833097