I write from the Burren in N. Co. Clare in Ireland, where the tradition of the "Wren Boys"(also called Mummers) is still carried out each ST. Stephan's Day. Its roots go back several thousand years to pre-Christian times. Its origins are tied in with the celebrating the Pagan Celtic Winter Solstice, when the Wren was killed as a symbol of the Death of winter and Birth of Summer and his 'sacrifice' was shared with the locality as the group of 'wren boys' visit each and every house and play music and, sing and dance and in some areas perform a Pantomime. In Co. Kerry the Bodhran was used only on this day. The arrival of the Wren Boys to your house on the 26th Dec is still considered to bring good luck. Long may the tradition survive. pjc