A local Irish cultural organization will host its 25th annual Wren Party, a traditional post-Christmas celebration, on Dec. 26 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Glenside.
The event, organized by the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ), commemorates St. Stephen's Day with Irish dancing, music and a wren hat contest.
The Wren Party tradition stems from Irish folklore, with one legend claiming that it commemorates an incident where Irish soldiers were betrayed to Viking raiders by wrens pecking on their drums, alerting the enemy. Another links it to early Christian times when St. Stephen was supposedly betrayed by a wren's chirping while hiding from his persecutors.
Historically, groups of young men and boys known as “wren boys” would parade through Irish villages on Dec. 26, going from house to house carrying a fake wren (originally a real one) mounted on a decorated pole or in a holly bush, while dressed in straw suits or old clothes and wearing masks or faces painted with soot.
These "wren boys" would sing traditional songs and perform music, after which they would collect money or food and drinks from households, which traditionally would fund a dance or celebration later that evening.
While hunting actual wrens has long since ended, the tradition continues in many parts of Ireland today, with proceeds typically going to charity rather than funding a party.
The Glenside celebration runs from 7 p.m. at 235 Limekiln Pike. Admission is $15 for CCÉ members, $20 for non-members, and free for children under 12. Attendees are encouraged to bring Christmas snacks and wear decorated wren hats.
A virtual hat competition is also available, with $50 Amazon gift cards awarded in adult, children's, and long-distance categories. Photo submissions are due by noon ET on December 26 at ccephila@gmail.com.
For more information, contact Jeff Meade at 215-806-8028 or irishphilly@gmail.com.