Hello! This is my first time at this site and I found this all toooo interesting! I have some info and a question if any one who was wondering b4 is still here.
    I read that the line about dying her peticoat red. Chances are that it is not to keep the Shee Folk at bay because in the poorer parts of Ireland they could not afford to do that so they say chants to keep them at bay.
    More likely it is to show for her loved one or to sell her body.

    Though it is probably to sell her body since the the song referes to her earning her bread; on the other hand selling her body would be unfaithful to her lover.

    I'm at a bit of a loss, can any one enlighten me?

-Gypsy