Ireland’s ancient Celtic Christmas traditions revealed

Phearne: Don't pine. I'll send you some soil to put in your boots, to tide you over!

May God bless little Ireland and all it's wonderful people.

Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year to all.

From one Irish American who has never set foot on Irish soil but hopes to someday."Nollaig Shona Duit"to all and to all a good night!"

Well said, Cap'n! I was thinking that 'mary' was not a very celtic name: who would blow the candle out if no 'mary' was to be had - or who would light it if no youngest child could be found for that matter(!). I really like your term 'Mediterranean fable' and would like to add 'some Celtic Fable' to it! But hey! - as it's coming up to a time of 'goodwill', I suppose we have to indulge IrishCentral and its oddly corporate Poster, a little bit of little irelander diddle-e-eye looney leeway!

I doubt the candle in the window was an 'ancient celtic' tradition for the heavily rumoured Mary and Joseph. Highly likely as with many Irish traditions to predate christianity. Irish society, customs and traditions have been around a lot longer than some Meditteranean fable and only reached Ireland fifteen centuries ago which is only halfway back to Newgrange.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL. MAY WE ALL BE BLESSED WITH HEALTH, HAPPINESS, LOVE, & FRIENDSHIP. HOPEFULLY THE COMING YEAR WITH BE A BETTER ONE FOR EVERYONE ALL OVER THE WORLD. GOD BLESS US ALL.

Brought back memories of a real irish christmas before commercialism took over!

Nodlaig Mhaith Chughat agus Siocháin!

A very interesting article, especially for those of us living far from Ireland's shores and traditions. Wishing all a happy and healthy Yuletide season!

Happy Christmas Season, everyone!

Thank you! Happy Christmas to all!

Beannachtai na Nollaig go leir! (Blessing of Christmas to all)

Merry Christmas to all.