'Women's Christmas' in Ireland

by Dee Notaro

Jan 5, 2015

January 6th is celebrated in Ireland as "Women's Christmas" (Nollaig na mBan).  More commonly known in other parts of the world as the Feast of the Epiphany, it marks the end of the Christmas period in Ireland.  It is known as "Women's Christmas" because of the Irish men taking on all the household duties for the day.  Most women hold parties or go out to celebrate the day with their friends, sisters, mothers, and aunts.  Bars and restaurants serve mostly women on this night, and children often buy presents for their mothers and grandmothers.

  • Gerry Regan

    Are there any great stories from Irish literature, or first-person accounts, set against this most charming tradition? I'd love to read a contemporaneous treatment of Nollaig na MBan.

    Jan 6, 2015

  • Lonnie

    Great tradition. In the west of Ireland we called the 6th of January Little Christmas. It was on this night all decorations and the Christmas tree were taken down. But the candles burned in the window until midnight.

    Jan 18, 2015