What is the wren in Irish?
Dreolín
Wren
| Irish Name: | Dreolín |
|---|---|
| Scientific name: | Troglodytes troglodytes |
| Bird Family: | Wrens |
What is the wren tradition?
The wren tradition is known to take place in Ireland and England where, in previous times,wrenboyswould hunt a wren, kill it, and visit homes reciting a poem that asked for money to give the bird a proper burial. A feather from the wren might be offered to the patrons for good luck.
What happens on Wren day?
Wren Day, also known as Wren’s Day, Day of the Wren, or Hunt the Wren Day (Irish: Lá an Dreoilín), is an Irish celebration held on 26 December, St. Then the crowds of mummers, or strawboys, celebrate the wren (also pronounced wran) by dressing up in masks, straw suits, and colourful motley clothing.
Why is the wren associated with Christmas?
Well, the history of the Wren predates Christmas, its origins are in Irish mythology where birds held great prominence. The wren is said to have betrayed Irish soldiers fighting Norsemen by beating their wings on their shields. The poor wren is also blamed for betraying St. Stephen the first Christian martyr.
Is the wren the smallest bird in Ireland?
Wrens in Ireland. The wren is one of Ireland’s smallest birds. Wrens are readily recognised by their rich brown plumage and short cocked tail which they flick repeatedly.
Why do the Irish Hunt the wren?
In Ireland, the day after Christmas means hunting down a small bird and tying it to the top of a pole. Originally, groups of small boys would hunt for a wren, and then chase the bird until they either have caught it or it has died from exhaustion. …
Why is the wren called the king of all birds?
The origin of the word wren in Irish is dreoilín, which means a trickster. The trickery and cunningness of wren is popular since the day it was titled as ‘The King of Birds’. The story goes that all the birds gathered to choose the king of the birds.
Why is the wren called Jenny Wren?
The wren delivers a powerful song, which becomes an angry chatter when an intruder, human or otherwise, passes through their territory. The female becomes particularly vocal if her newly fledged brood is on site, which may explain why wrens tend to be thought of as female, hence Jenny Wren.
Which bird is the queen of birds?
Queen of Birds Peacock and National Bird of India | Bird species, Birds, Bird.
Why is a wren called troglodytes?
Wrens are the most common, abundant and widespread British bird. Its Latin name is Troglodytes, meaning cave dweller, the species is part of the Troglodytidae family.
How many wrens are in Ireland?
six million wrens
It’s estimated that there are about six million wrens in Ireland, which means they slightly outnumber people, and they are among the top 20 in BirdWatch Ireland’s garden bird survey.
When do they hunt the Wren in Ireland?
Ancient Irish tradition of hunting the wren on St. Stephen’s Day On St. Stephens Day (December 26) in Ireland, the traditional procession takes place where a pole with a holly bush is carried from house to house and families dress up in old clothes and with blackened faces.
How is the day of the Wren celebrated?
Wren Day, also known as Wren’s Day, Day of the Wren, or Hunt the Wren Day ( Irish: Lá an Dreoilín ), is celebrated on 26 December, St. Stephen’s Day in a number of countries across Europe. The tradition consists of “hunting” a fake wren and putting it on top of a decorated pole. Then the crowds of mummers, or strawboys,…
Why is the wren hunt on St Stephen’s Day?
The wren hunt is a unique Irish tradition for St. Stephen’s Day. Getty. In normal years. the public holiday St. Stephen’s Day in Ireland may be all about the sales, but it was traditionally about the wren.
Where does the story of Hunt the Wren come from?
The earliest and most common folklore story accounting for the origin of hunt the wren tells of a fairy/enchantress/witch whose beauty lures the men of the Isle of Man to harm, for which she is chased and is changed into the form of a wren. It is therefore in punishment for her actions that the wren is hunted on St. Stephen’s Day.