The Wren Song


The Wren Song is sung in Ireland during Wren Day on 26 December. The song is sung by "wren boys" who raise money while parading around a town or village.

Origin

The Wren Song is sung most often on Wren Day, occurring on the day after Christmas, or 26 December. The celebration first started as an ancient pagan tradition of animal sacrifice that has been passed down though various Celtic cultures and is now celebrated across Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Celebrations

On Wren Day, "Wren Boys" in Ireland meet to parade, often with a holly bush with wrens, and sing the Wren Song. The boys make straw costumes to wear, and their leader's costume depicts a horse known as the "hobby horse". The song is sung in particular when they parade around a real or fake wren and ask for money and donations.

Lyrics

There are many versions of the Wren Song, but one of the most common goes as follows: