The modern Christmas wreath demonstrates the spirit of the season, but to some it is also a reminder of another spirit – a spirit that demonstrated courage and fortitude dating back to 17th century Ireland, when the Penal Laws forbade the practice of the Catholic religion. Not only was their religion outlawed, but Irish clergy were on the run with a price on their heads. The Irish people kept the faith though, and secretly met their outlawed clergy to celebrate Mass in the woods, glens and mountains whenever they could.

Because of the oppression, Mass might be celebrated only once a month or even less, but one time they rarely missed was Christmas. In spite of the terrible times, Christmas still brought a sense of hope. A foreign power may have controlled the land, but they could not control the hearts of the Irish; they still had their customs, their faith, and their pride, and, by God, they would have their Mass. One example can be found in a glen south of Drogheda where stands a Mass Rock which drew people who walked barefoot in a freezing stream so that they would not leave footprints in the snow to betray their destination. Christmas Mass was one custom they were not about to surrender.

Some of the other Christmas customs that were practiced, by the way, were older than the race that ruled them. Some had originated back at the dawn of time, in pre-Christian days, like the ringing of doors and windows with holly and ivy. That custom came from the ancient Celtic custom of ringing one's dwelling with those magical leaves. Since holly and ivy remained green when all other plants died, they were deemed immune to the killing force of winter and were therefore strung to form a protective barrier at all openings. Although the custom carried into the Christian era, its function was now purely decorative. Nevertheless, the British marveled at the hope that still burned in hearts they had tried so hard to subvert.

The source of that hope was their faith and in each community, courageous families would risk fine and imprisonment to attend a Mass in the dark of night, celebrated by one of the outlawed priests. On occasion an especially brave household would offer to host the celebration indoors away from the biting winter wind. Naturally, the house to be used was kept secret until just before the Mass was to begin, at which time a lighted candle was placed in the window to signal the faithful. Once the signal was given, candles were lit in every house window to confuse any who might try to interfere with the celebration. To the Irish, the meaning of the candle was clear, but to the stranger, it was merely an extension of the pagan custom of holiday decoration.

The candle, eventually became part of the custom, and remained long after its need as a signal disappeared. It also acquired new meanings, such as a light to guide the way for the holy family on their journey to Bethlehem (although such a need would indicate the family had gone astray more than a few miles on their journey). However, for those who know the original purpose of the Irish Christmas Candle, today’s Christmas Wreath with a candle in the center is a reminder of the courage and the sacrifices made by our ancestors who placed a candle in a holly-encircled window to send out the message: The Lord is in this house tonight.

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Tags: Christmas, Faith, Penal Laws, Tradition

Comment by Mike McCormack on December 18, 2014 at 7:59pm

DJ:  Thanks for the enquiry.  I don't usually add footnotes and sources to the memories I share but you can find verification of each topic on the internet.  For example, you can find 'The Christmas Wreath' story corroborated on Catholiceducation.org, encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com, gaelicleagueofdetroit.org, stjoseph.org and ceiliband.wordpress.com/2012/12/06 among others.  For my books, google: shamrockandclover.com/irishbooks and you'll also find 3 CDs from my radio programs and 2 DVDs produced - all on Irish topics - during my last 23 years as National HIstorian for the AOH in America.  The website also contains endorsements of my work from Literary Authors, Artists and patriots.  With regard to my latest booklet The Coming of the Celts, it's not on the website yet, but if you send me your snail-mail address, I will be happy to send you a complimentary copy.  And if you have anything positive to share, please let me know.  We never stop learning. 

Comment by Roberta Foran on December 27, 2014 at 1:09am

Thank you for posting this, Mike. It's a great article. Blessings.

Comment by Mike McCormack on January 1, 2015 at 9:05am

google SHAMROCK AND CLOVER.COM/IRISH BOOKS

Comment by Sean Michael O'Neill on December 22, 2017 at 3:05pm

Great article Mike!  Thanks for writing such great articles!  

Nollaig Shona Duit!

Comment by John Anthony Brennan on December 23, 2017 at 2:42pm

Marvelous slice of Irish History Mike.

Comment by Richard R. Mc Gibbon Jr. on December 22, 2019 at 8:21am

Nice article on how our ancestors tried to keep Christmas. Especially when Oliver Cromwell made the celebration of Christmas illegal in 1652 !

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