Have you ever heard the tradition that it's bad luck to take your Christmas decorations down before 6th January and wondered why? 6th December is known as Little Christmas or in Ireland, Nollaig Na mBan – women's Christmas. With a name like that it would be a pity to let it pass without treating the woman in your life.
Treat your wife, girlfriend, sister, aunt, nanny or friend to a beautiful bouquet of freshly tied flowers from Belles Fleurs this Nollaig Na mBan and make this one to remember!
What is Nollaig Na mBan?
Traditionally falling on 6th January every year, little Christmas is the twelfth day of Christmas and an opportunity for women to relax after a busy time. Women play a vital role at Christmas in many homes, often buying and wrapping gifts, cleaning and decorating the home and feeding the family a feast on the big day. Women's Christmas is a day when the men take over and allow women to relax and enjoy each other's company without the stresses of housework or childcare.
Traditions of January 6th
There are many Irish folk rituals associated with January 6th. The custom was that women made social calls to the homes of their friends and neighbours and enjoyed tea and the last of the Christmas cake. The men stayed at home minding the children and taking down the Christmas decorations. Traditional roles were reversed in the home; men did the ‘women’s work’ in the house while women rested and gathered together informally.
It's said to be bad luck to take down your tree before 6th January (something we think some clever women came up with so their other halves would have to do it!), a tradition that many stick to today.
These days Little Christmas is marked in all sorts of ways, not always sticking to the traditional. Sometimes women gather for drinks and dinner in each other's homes. Hotels and restaurants advertise ladies’ afternoon teas and evenings out or shopping trips could be enjoyed for a lucky few going to bag a bargain in the January sales.
Flowers for Nollaig Na mBan
While traditional household roles are not upheld as they were, it's still nice to acknowledge Nollaig Na mBan for what it is – a way to thank the women in our lives for their hard work over Christmas. We think there is no better way to thank someone or celebrate an occasion than with a beautiful bunch of fresh flowers. At Belles Fleurs, we deliver our stunning floral designs to homes, offices, workplaces and businesses around Ireland to mark what we think is a very special occasion. We can customise any bouquet with varieties, colours and designs that suit your home, business or personality.
Ordering a fresh flower delivery in Ireland is easy. Visit the Belles Fleurs website, find a bouquet you love, give us some details and we’ll do the rest. We deliver locally next-day and all other deliveries as fast as we can in our beautifully branded van to ensure they get to you as fresh as possible.
Call us with any special requests or pop into our florist in Blanchardstown to pick up a fresh bunch for your favourite mban this January 6th.
