WREN BOYS

The wren, the wren, the king of all birds,
On St. Stephen's Day he was caught in the furze,
But though he's little his family's great
So rise up, kind people, and give us a treat.
If you don't rise up and give us a treat
We'll bury the wren in under the gate.

A wren, a wren, when you were young
A mouse couldn't stir off the floor,
But now you are dead and gone
We'll carry you from door to door.
With your pocket full of money and your barrel of beer,
I'll wish you a happy Christmas and a merry New Year

So up with the kettle and down with the pan,
Give us some money to bury the wren.

-Jones, Bryan,J., "Wren Boys.", Folklore,, Vol. 19, No.2,June,30,1908, pp.
234-5.
(from Co. Louth)

DT #851
@ritual @seasonal @bird @animal
filename[ WRENLOUT
CB
Feb07
mudcat.org

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