The Wren Song: The Clancy Brothers

Today is St. Stephen’s Day in Ireland. In Irish, it is called Lá Fhéile Stiofáin or Lá an Dreoilín, meaning the Day of the Wren or Wren’s Day.

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6 Comments on “The Wren Song: The Clancy Brothers”

  1. 61cqr Says:

    Such a strange folk tradition! Check out this song which is actually about the same celebration:

    • katry Says:

      61,
      Any song by Steeleye Span seems to rise to a different level.

      I haven’t heard this before. It is perfect for playing anytime during the Twelve Tide.

  2. Spaceman Says:

    Still practiced in Ireland, but fake wrens are used. Also known as Boxing Day. Traditionally the Church opened the alms box and distributed money to the poor

    • katry Says:

      Spaceman,
      I knew about Ireland, and I was glad the wrens are fake now, but I didn’t know about the alms boxes and churches.

  3. Jay Bird Says:

    Ah, such a very Irish song! We are not terribly far removed from Druids making human sacrifices. I noticed the lads slipped in a little instrumental riff from “Boys from the County Cork”.

    I have heard various origins for Boxing Day, but the one Spacemen mentions sounds most logical. When I lived on the Canadian border, we’d usually hit up their big Boxing Day sales.

    • katry Says:

      Jay,
      I have long been a fan of Druids. It is probably my Irish ancestors clinging to my DNA.

      I also read it was the day to give money in boxes to tradesmen and house servants.


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