Hunting the Wren

Hunting the wren on the Isle of Man

Another tradition for this second day of Christmas. The wren is hunted in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Britanny, southern France, and Spain. And Newfoundland.

The significance of the wren is probably the same as the significance of the Christmas tree: it is one of the very few birds that do not migrate south for winter. And so they are a symbol of life beyond death; of the resurrection.

Hunting the wren in Dingle, Kerry.

The traditional Scottish song:

The traditional English song:

Irish version by the Chieftains: