What is a Wren boy?

The wren, the wren, the king of all birds,
St. Stephen's Day was caught in the furze;
Though his body is small, his family is great,
So, if you please, your honour, give us a treat.

The new year is represented by a robin, and the old year is a wren.

By National Library of Ireland on The Commons - December 26Uploaded by oaktree_b, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17816307

I'm talking about an old Celtic tradition involving a procession through the streets with a dead wren. This link explains everything: http://www.from-ireland.net/custetc/wrenboys.htm

Winter Solstice- The Tea Party (Cover)

Welcome to the Celtic New Year. This is a video I found of a very talented young guitar player. Enjoy!

Instructions from St. Patrick

©Cindy Thomson

Continuing with St. Patrick, we find in his writings that he left a "suggestion" for us.

From my book, Celtic Wisdom:

"Patrick desired that his legacy would be passed on: 'I wish only that you, too, would make greater and better efforts. This will be my pride, for 'a wise son makes a proud father.'"

As I've noted in the book, this is a reference to Proverbs 10:1:

The proverbs of Solomon:
A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son grief to his mother.

And Proverbs 15:20:

A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.
(quoting from the NIV)

I wonder how many of us have thought of ourselves as being "sons" of St. Patrick. But we are sons and daughters of those who have gone before us. I wonder if I've done enough to bring joy, especially to my Father who made us all.

Music for the season