{"product_id":"christmas-and-the-irish-a-miscellany-9781913934934","title":"Christmas and the Irish: A Miscellany","description":"Following the success of the three-volume series, \u003ci\u003eBirth\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003e Marriage \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eDeath and the Irish\u003c\/i\u003e (2016-2021), this collection examines the celebration of Christmas among the Irish, from the seventh century to the present day. In 75 articles, ranging from the serious to the light-hearted, writers from a range of academic disciplines and professions - Anthropology, Celtic Studies, Education, Folklore, Healthcare, History, Journalism, Literature, Media, and Broadcasting, Pastoral Ministry, Philosophy and Theology - reflect on what Christmas has meant to Irish people through the ages, whether living at home or abroad. Topics covered in this volume include: the theme of light in early Irish texts; festive feasting and fighting in the Middle Ages; the Kilmore carols of County Wexford; the history of Irish Christmas food through the centuries; crimes of Christmas past; Christmas on the Blasket Islands; the claim that 'Santa's Grave' is in County Kilkenny; why Irish missionaries in Zimbabwe regularly missed out on their Christmas dinner; the origins and early life of the Late Late Toy Show; a Christmas surprise among Irish peacekeepers in the Lebanon; Christmas customs among the Traveling Community; Christmas and the Irish Jewish community; the Wren Boys; 'Women's Christmas'; Irish links to popular Christmas carols; Christmas and James Joyce; the curious custom of reciting 4,000 Hail Marys in the lead up to Christmas, and why it became an established tradition for the Viceroy to send a woodcock to the British monarch every Christmas. This anthology will prove a fascinating read for all who are interested in the social, cultural, and religious history of Ireland, but, more importantly, will delight all who love Christmas itself.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Wordwell Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50500755816722,"sku":"9781913934934","price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_19672fdb-368b-4f74-9ca4-af71726728e5.jpg?v=1730752990","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/christmas-and-the-irish-a-miscellany-9781913934934","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}