Hunting the Wren

The age-old custom of hunting the wren (pronounced "wran") has always been an integral part of Saint Stephen's day (December 26) in Bonane.

The wren the wren the king of all birds,
Saint Stephen's day he got caught in the furze,
Although he is little his family is great,
Cheer up landlady an give us a treat,
Up with the kettle and down with the pan,
Give us some money to bury the wren!

From early morning the strains of this traditional ditty are to be heard as groups of wren "boys" in gaily-coloured disguise travel from house to house, where they provide entertainment by way of song, dance and music in expectation of some small financial reward.

The tradition of hunting the wren is an ancient one and while its exact origins are unclear, the words of the above ditty encapsulate the story.

According to an old legend all the birds assembled to elect a king. It was agreed that the one who could fly the highest would be the winner.
(The bat was the only bird that did not partake and ever since to hide his shame only comes out at night!) The eagle, being the strongest, soared above the rest and was confident of victory. However, the wily wren had hitched a ride under the eagle's feathers and when the eagle tired and could go no higher the wren emerged and went on to victory!

Because of the nature of his victory the wren has always been held in some odium by his fellow birds and humans. He stands accused of betraying Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and ever since has been hunted on Saint Stephen's day.

In olden times a wren would be hunted, killed and paraded by the wren boys attached to a pole. An account of the chase might be included in a verse of their song:

As I went up to Moulatee,
I saw a wren upon a tree
Up with my cudgel I gave him a fall,
And I brought him here to visit you all!

Fortunately, a more humane era dawned and no longer is the poor unfortunate wren hunted on Saint Stephen's day. For many years an effigy or a commercial replica adorns the holly branch carried by the wren boys.

In Bonane hunting the wren has long been the preserve of the children and their enthusiasm for the tradition has ensured its preservation!