Hello all and Happy New Year! I was talking to my grandmother over the holidays (87 and sharp as a tack!) and she was telling me about the Xmas tradition of the wren. I was wondering if anyone else remembers this and where it may have started. My grandmother says it was common in the 1950's when her children were young. Apparently on St. Stephen's Day (Boxing Day), the young fellas in the place would go around, house to house with a bird (a wren) on a stick. They'd sing this little song and you'd give them a few cents or a dollar or whatever. The song went something like: The wren, the wren... the king of all birds St. Stephen's Day was caught in a fuss Although he was little, his honor was great Jump up young lady and give us a treat. Up with the kettle and down with the pan A penney or two will bury the wren. A pocket full of money and a cellar of beer I wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Any info or thoughts would be great! ABC ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Allan B. Costello (a.k.a. "East Coast Al") 12245 Haldi Lake Road Prince George, BC V2N 6J5 Email: [email protected] Researching: COSTELLO, WALSH, MEANEY, FLYNN, WHELAN, SLYNEY, GORMAN and others originating from Conception Bay, NL and MAILLET FROM Cheticamp, NS -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------