Hunting the Wren

Subject: Hunting the Wren
From: Tinkercat
Date: 10 Nov 02 - 03:36 PM

Where can I find some background info on the custom of hunting the wren? Is it a particular pre-Christmas thing or is it going back to non-Christian times?
TC

Subject: RE: Hunting the Wren
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 10 Nov 02 - 03:46 PM

Much has already been written on this subject. to find the main thread, and a cross reference, look at DTStudy: Cutty Wren

Nigel


I would suggest no further posts to this actual thread.
I would suggest no further posts to this actual thread.
I would suggest no further posts to this actual thread.
I would suggest no further posts to this actual thread.
I would suggest no further posts to this actual thread.

Subject: RE: Hunting the Wren
From: The Pooka
Date: 10 Nov 02 - 03:52 PM

Well here's one, of MANY, sites; not the most scholarly I'm sure. St. Stephen's Day & the Wren Clearly pre-Christian, though; co-opted into local Christian practice like so much else. "St. Patrick was a Gentleman, he came from dacent people"; and also, no fool. :) / I bet there are past Mudthreads on this, jolly Tinkercat.

Up with the kettle and down with the pan
And give us a penny to bury the wren.

Subject: RE: Hunting the Wren
From: The Pooka
Date: 10 Nov 02 - 03:52 PM

Woops. Told ye.

Subject: RE: Hunting the Wren
From: *#1 PEASANT*
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 11:59 AM

Click for St. Stephen and the Wren Pages

Watch for many additions to this page following our intensive academic research effort. Some html editing too...
But first we do wassail!

Conrad

Subject: RE: Hunting the Wren
From: selby
Date: 11 Nov 02 - 01:39 PM

Hunt out the Les Barker parody it's wonderful
Keith

Subject: RE: Hunting the Wren
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 03:47 AM

I've been doing lots of research on this recently for our animal story Christmas quiz in the Library. Try looking up "Holly King" and "Oak King" on the web - lots of interesting information

Sarah

Subject: RE: Hunting the Wren
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 12 Nov 02 - 09:43 AM

there are several relevant threads, such as
http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=48972#738157
http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=3260#16066
http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=16239#154814
(copy and paste, I'm not bothering with 'clickie' & titles today)

more to be found if you search for "wrenning"