wren boy procession

One of Ireland's unique and darker traditions, celebrated on December 26th, relates to killing a small bird called the wren in revenge for betraying St Stephen. Nowadays the day after Christmas, it is traditional in Ireland to go on a quest for a little bird and then affix it to the top of a pole. The Irish observe Saint Stephen's Day, also known as Wren Day, in this manner.

Learn all you need to know about these great Irish Christmas traditions, including as the candle in the window, holly wreaths, the Laden table, and the Wren Boy parade, in this informative guide.