Twelve Days of Irish Holiday Traditions: Irish Black Friday
Written by Ciaran Vipond on Dec 08, 2023 | 0 Comments
Inspired by that traditional carol, and the funny Irish version, Christmas Countdown, we're bringing you Twelve Days of Christmas (Traditions). These Irish traditions make the season so special for so many on the Emerald Isle. You may even want to try one for yourself!
Day 8 - Irish Black Friday
Black Friday is a global phenomenon. But here in Ireland, before there was Black Friday, there was December the 8th: the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a religious holiday. Kids got the day off school, and many in rural Ireland took the day off to head to the city for a big shop to stock up for Christmas supplies. Whether it was to a city or a local large town for the margadh mór, the Big Market, families would get their Christmas shopping and enjoy the seasonal hustle and bustle.
Photo Credit: J. Chadwick
Another Name
In Dublin, December 8th is known by another, slightly disparaging name: 'Culchie Shopping Day.' As a sidenote - If you live outside of urban Ireland, and especially beyond the bounds of Dublin, you may be called a Culchie by your city cousins. The origins of the term are unknown, but it's possible it was derived from the word 'agricultural.' Whatever its origins, it's still a common term, and some of our more rural residents have started to reclaim the name from its more pejorative status!
Regardless of what one chose to call it, Ireland's capital would be thronged with rural people looking to get all they needed for the big day.
Earls St. in Dublin
Photo Credit: National Library of Ireland (Public Domain)
In times gone by, a typical shopping list might include tea, spices, dried fruits, sweets, candles, clothes, and small toys for any children. There might also be household goods for some pre-Christmas DIY. A big shop indeed!
Photo Credit: William Murphy (CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED)
Trains and Automobiles
Unsurprisingly, you could also count on the most impressive traffic jams of the year in Dublin. A spokesperson for the largest public transport provider was quoted in the newspaper in 1978 suggesting that, “It would be a good day to take sick leave” for Dubliners!
Trains and buses to the cities would be full to bursting, even with extra carriages added. The enterprising manager of the iconic Clerys Department store added fuel to this fire in the 1940’s by offering a refund on customers' train tickets if they spent more than £5 in the store on the day!
December the 8th Now
With the advent of shopping centers in larger local towns, and now online shopping, this tradition is all but gone. However, many still travel to the city over the holidays to soak up some seasonal cheer and to check out the Christmas windows and lights.
There is still something quite magical about strolling Dublin’s Henry Street hearing the tuneful calls of street sellers, or the carollers on Grafton St in Dublin, the sparkling lights of Shop Street in Galway, or the seasonal bustle of Patrick Street in Cork at Christmas. It is guaranteed to get even the grinch in the spirit.
What's Next?
Check back in with us tomorrow for Day 9 of our Twelve Days of Irish Christmas traditions. You might also like to see our Twelve Days of Christmas offers too!
Get In Touch
Have a question or something you're not entirely sure about when browsing our pieces? Please reach out. You can send us a note or give us a call—the Dublin workshop is here to make sure that you have a perfect experience from start to finish with My Irish Jeweler.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, to see what's new and upcoming. Join our Email list for early offers and special features.
Ciaran Vipond
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!
I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!
Comments
Ask Gemma