In Ireland, ‘Little Christmas’ (‘Nollaig Bheag’ in Irish) is one of the traditional names for January 6, the feast of the Epiphany. Epiphany is a Christian celebration of the day on which the Magi arrived with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to honour the new-born baby Jesus, the day on which Jesus is revealed to the gentiles. Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian holy days that originated in the Eastern church and was adopted by the Western church in the 4th century. ‘Little Christmas’ is so-called because under the Julian Calendar, Christmas day celebrations were held in January,whereas under the Gregorian calendar, Christmas day falls on December 25.
We went down to celebrate mass in the church with sixth and second classes. Mr Mc Keown’s and Mrs Rogers classes treated the parishioners to some lovely hymns during the mass. Father Derek came out to speak to the children after mass and to commend them on their excellent behaviour.