12th night in Ireland has it’s own, very special traditions. Known both as “Little Christmas” and as Nollaig na mBan, which translates to “Women’s Christmas”. Traditionally it was the day when men would take on a more domestic role while woman essentially got a day off after their labours over the holiday season. There are many rituals and traditions associated with this day, some older, some more modern. Such as burning all the evergreen decorations used over the festivities of the previous 12 days, hiding items in cakes with the finder given a title for the day depending on what item they found, to women congregating for tea and cake, or perhaps something stronger, and celebrating a day free of chores.
For 12th night coronation, we have decided to incorporate the idea of Nollaig na nBan into the event, and will be using the weekend to celebrate women, in the SCA and in history – their roles, their work and their contributions. We hope that people will enter into the spirit of this Irish tradition and enjoy all the things we are planning. Bring your holly, your lanterns and your (LED) candles!
There will be all the usual coronation brilliance of Courts, tournaments and A&S display, but expect them to have an interesting slant in some way! What we can tell you for sure is that amongst the activities we are planning, there will be a potluck Lady’s Tea Party (think Fika but Irish!) on Saturday afternoon (open to all who wish to attend, not just ladies!) to which we encourage people to bring something sweet with them as a contribution (made or bought!).
There will be more updates as planning progresses, so bookmark this page!
Yours,
12th night Event Team