Winter Traditions: HUNTING THE WREN

Hunting the Wren

The tradition of Hunting the Wren was originally associated with pagan ritual. Historically, a wren was captured and was thought to bring luck for the new year. In modern times, the tradition of "hunting the wren" involves musicians moving from gathering to gathering playing music on "St. Stephen's Day" (December 26th), and "passing the hat." Áine's original composition "Hunting the Wren" celebrates this tradition.

As with so many dates from the ancient Irish calendar, a Christian holiday replaced the original. St. Stephen's Day celebrates the first Christian martyr. However, the celebrations of the day seem to have little relation to St. Stephen himself, although there is one tale that recounts the 'chattering' wren betraying St. Stephen to his enemies as he tries to hide from them in a bush.

Thereafter, the wren, much like poor St. Stephen, was to be hunted down and stoned to death!

In Irish folklore, the wren was viewed as the cleverest of birds, and hunting the wren is thought to have a stronger relationship to sacrificing a sacred symbol.

Over time, the tradition became associated with 'mumming' (another tradition involving disguise using costumes made of straw). This is where it can get a little cloudy, since mummers plays, usually involving St. George, are more associated with English tradition. However, there is a mummers play involving St. Patrick. Irrespective of details, the core theme of mummers plays is that of death and resurrection, the death of the old year and the rebirth of the new. The age old expression of a vital system.

At the very least, 'hunting the wren,' reflects the universal practice of dressing in costume or disguise and having an 'out of body' or 'out or everyday life' experience, in order to relieve the tensions and constraints of every day life.