What’s so special about the 6th of January for Ireland? And why the term, “Women’s Little Christmas?” Have you ever wondered about this uniquely Irish tradition?
What Is “Women’s Little Christmas”?
We know that December 25th is a big day for all – Christmas day! Traditionally, during Christmas, women were extremely busy. Women typically decorated the house, prepared great food for all, picked and packed gifts and entertained guests. Women did everything they could to make Christmas an enjoyable time for family and friends.
Then we have January 6th, this is the “official” end of Christmas and the “Feast of the Epiphany.” This was believed to be the day when the three Magi (three wise men) came to Bethlehem. They brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the baby Jesus.
In Ireland, it also means, Women’s Little Christmas or “Nollaig na mBan.” It’s that time of the year when women get together to enjoy and relieve themselves of household work. Little Christmas is a day when women get the chance to have their own hours of gaiety and some much-needed rest. They celebrate the day with their girl friends, sisters, aunts or mothers. Men stay at home to handle household work and take charge of the brood. During this time, children also usually give presents to their mothers or grandmothers.
What’s The Reason For This Celebration?
The roots of Women's Little Christmas lend their way back to the days when families were usually of a large size. Back then, women were in charge of all the household work. Men were not expected to help. That’s the reason why on the 6th of January, exhausted women finally got their own chance to celebrate for themselves and take their time out to relax.
What Do Women Do During Their “Little Christmas”?
With its roots in mostly rural and small-town Ireland, Women’s Little Christmas pictures women excitedly rushing to the local public house and sitting snugly in private rooms. Women would dine out and drink with the few shillings they had saved for this special day. They would chat about their worries and cares, releasing their thoughts and feelings freely into the wee hours of the evening. During the late nights, they would be heard singing with slurred and hoarse voices, enjoying themselves under the night sky.
In a few places, there is the lighting of candles for every room in the house on that night. Mothers would light these candles as children look out on the windows or walk around the area to gaze at all the houses lit up. Looking at these lights, one can’t help but be grateful for all the mothers. Women light up their homes by bringing in warmth and joy, this is symbolised by the candles.
With the advent of modern society, this tradition is said to be slowly dying. Men are no longer estranged to the kitchen and women have occupied seats beyond kitchens and farms. But it is still refreshing to see how this custom is upheld by many women of all ages, year after year. Women coming together at noon time talking for hours and hours, telling their stories from the past year. Throughout the day, a sense of openness and authenticity has worked to knit relationships tighter together. After toasting with each other for the year that lies ahead, women then go back to their homes at midnight with hearts full and recharged. Parties might have taken different looks and feels, but still, the essence of “Women’s Little Christmas” is a celebration of sisterhood and friendship, and of honoring women. It will continue to live on in the hearts of Irish people.
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