The Baileys Harbor Historical Society is committed to organizing and mounting displays that represent the history of Baileys Harbor at the Town Hall and the Toft House throughout the year. We ended the summer program schedule with a presentation about the Irish in Baileys Harbor, particularly the Collins Family. Continuing the Irish theme our holiday display recognized the customs of the Irish settlers that helped to establish our community. Nollaig Shona Duit, a Happy Christmas to You, could be heard beginning on December 8, the Catholic feast of the Immaculate Conception, and would continue until January 6, called Little or Women’s Christmas. That final celebratory day was one when the men would take on the women’s chores.
The Historical Society tree, displayed in the town hall was decorated with traditional Irish ornaments and along with explanations of those traditions. For example, Celtic knots, which have no beginning and no end, symbolize eternal love, family unity and the love between mother and child. Wrens are associated with the martyr St. Stephen who is said to have been betrayed by a wren. The Celtic cross, which includes a cross with a circle or halo incorporated into the design represents the time period when pagan and Christian heritage was intertwined. Holly foliage is common, representing Christ’s crown of thorns and is naturally and readily available during the Christmas season. Tradition finds the Irish burning the holly shortly after the new year. A typical Irish Christmas dinner may have included boiled, spiced roast beef, a roast goose and ham. Special yuletide desserts included a Yule log, sherry trifle, mince pie and tins of biscuits.
The Historical Society tree, displayed in the town hall was decorated with traditional Irish ornaments and along with explanations of those traditions. For example, Celtic knots, which have no beginning and no end, symbolize eternal love, family unity and the love between mother and child. Wrens are associated with the martyr St. Stephen who is said to have been betrayed by a wren. The Celtic cross, which includes a cross with a circle or halo incorporated into the design represents the time period when pagan and Christian heritage was intertwined. Holly foliage is common, representing Christ’s crown of thorns and is naturally and readily available during the Christmas season. Tradition finds the Irish burning the holly shortly after the new year. A typical Irish Christmas dinner may have included boiled, spiced roast beef, a roast goose and ham. Special yuletide desserts included a Yule log, sherry trifle, mince pie and tins of biscuits.
