Ulster Origins

Celebrating Women on Twelfth Night in Ireland

Twelfth Night, or the 6th of January, used to hold a special place in Irish tradition. Known as Nollaig na mBan or Women’s Christmas, it marks the final day of the Christmas season. In many areas Irish households, most notably Cork and Kerry, once honoured this day as a time for women to get together and celebrate after the busy holiday period. It was traditional for the men to cook and the women to rest. In some places it was referred to as “Nollaig Bheag” or Little Christmas.

Irish folklore has its fair share of curious tales, and one of the quirkiest was the belief that at midnight on Little Christmas, every well in Ireland magically turned its water into wine. But before you start planning a midnight dash with a jug, be warned—sneaking out to test the theory was said to bring the kind of bad luck that’d have you regretting it for years!…

Customs and Celebrations

Women often met in each other’s homes or local pubs to share food, stories, and laughter. These gatherings, filled with camaraderie and song, were a way to unwind and mark the end of the festive season.

In many households, Nollaig na mBan was also the day to take down Christmas decorations. It was believed that leaving them up beyond the 6th would bring bad luck.

In some parts of the country, mothers rubbed the tail of a herring across the eyes of their children to give immunity against disease for the rest of the year!

Women’s Christmas also had links to Irish death divination customs, similar to those practiced at Halloween. One tradition involved making a “cake” from mud or clay and placing candles in it, each one representing a family member. The order in which the candles burned out was believed to show the order in which those family members would pass away. This ritual was taken very seriously, with prayers said throughout and no room for joking around.

Though Nollaig na mBan is not as widely celebrated as it once was, it has seen a revival in recent years. Modern women use the day to honour the contributions of women in their communities and reflect on the changing roles of women in Irish society. Some women host charity events, others organize gatherings with friends, and many simply take the opportunity to indulge in well-deserved relaxation.

Whether you’re marking the day with friends or learning about its roots, Nollaig na mBan is a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible contributions of women across generations.

How will you celebrate Nollaig na mBan this year?