Nollaig Shona Duit Celebration (Happy Christmas)

What is the best way to decorate the Christmas tree in Ireland? Using shamrock as an ornament. Shamrocks are young sprigs often associated with the region's patron saint, St. Patrick. That suggests the saint's Holy Trinity. The Irish people are devout Catholics as well and what a brilliant way, instead of Christmas, to add this message.

Natural objects such as holly, oak and ivy are painted alongside the tree house. Bottles, wood and acrylic ornaments are mixed with them. And there are a host of persons who placed a natural wreath of holly on their front doors. And the placing of the holy wreath was the symbol of Christmas before Christmas trees were available, since they were the only plants that could survive the winter. In comparison, most families will at least have a little crib in their homes, with the baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas eve.

A major part of the celebration is the Christmas trees as well. The Noble Fir is the most popular type. This tree is the most rational solution with the characteristics that seem to fit any Irish household. These trees, dizzy with ornamentation, not only become the center of affection, but also the central part of home engagement, where the family can gather and create fun and memorable holiday memories.

Decor and Rituals

The ceremonies that preceded are still being planned for Christmas. There's still something to look forward to, including religious holidays to joyful celebrations. Officially, Ireland's long-awaited Christmas season begins on December 8, when most villages, cities and towns begin to decorate the streets with religious flags, fairy lights and huge Christmas trees. In the center of the party, the trees are generally planted, where everybody can see them. Cribs are set in front of the temples, reflecting Jesus' birth and the three kings' arrival. To mark the birth of Jesus Christ, who is considered to be the Son of God by Christians, Christmas is celebrated. It is also the beginning of the wonderfully decorated Christmas markets, where everybody and their families and friends love to enjoy some warm drinks and see the magic of Christmas. Nollaig shonaduit is a Gaelic Christmas greeting. Despite the festivities, it is still meant to be a peaceful celebration for everybody.

Another tradition worth noting is that the candle in the window is a practice that was very common in the 1970s, but today, particularly in urban areas, it seems to be fading away. Symbolically, the candle was a welcome to Joseph and Mary while roaming in search of lodging. The candle indicated to tourists, and to the poor in particular, that inside the home there could be an offer of food.

The Christmas season will formally conclude with the Women's Little Christmas Day on January 6th. Now it's time for the men to pull down the Christmas lights and keep them rolling. In the following year, not doing so meant bad luck. Considered a "holiday" so the women will rest while the men do the chores in the household.