Hunt the Wren Day
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Hunt the Wren Day, also known as "The Hunting of the Wrens," is celebrated on Dec. 26, St. Stephen's Day, on the Isle of Man and Ireland. The tradition consists of "hunting" a fake wren, and putting on top of a decorated pole.
Originally, a band of small boys known as Wrenboys hunted down a real wren, until they either caught it, or it died of exhaustion. Once the bird was dead, the boys would carry it around the town, singing. The song, of which there are many variations, asked for donations from the townspeople. Often, the boys gave a feather from the bird to patrons for good luck. The money was used to host a dance for the town, held that night. A pole decorated with ribbons, wreaths, and flowers was the center of the dance. The bird was put on top of the pole.
Over time, the live bird was replaced with a fake one that is hidden, rather than chased. The band of young boys has expanded to include girls, and adults often join in. The money that is collected from the townspeople is usually donated to a school or charity. A celebration is still held around the decorated pole.
