Irish women and Nollaig na mBan: A day off on January 6th

Eva Osborne

In Ireland, January 6th is often referred to as Nollaig na mBan, or Women's Christmas. It is recognised as the last day of the Christmas season.

Traditionally a day where gender roles are swapped, the women of the house get a 'day off' to relax and meet up with friends while the men take on their duties.

And while gender equality has come a long way since the first Nollaig na mBan, many women still find themselves in the role of the caregiver, cleaner, and chef, while at the same time also working full-time jobs.

So, Nollaig na mBan is seen as a day where women get a 'thank you' for all that they do, especially in the build-up to Christmas.

As an old saying goes: “God rested on the seventh day, but the women of Ireland didn't do the same until the twelfth."

According to the Irish Countrywomen's Association, there was an old Irish belief that when Christmas came to an end at midnight on Nollaig na mBan, well water briefly turned to wine, rushes turned to silk, and sandstone turned to gold.

Although it appeared to be a dying tradition, Nollaig na mBan has seen a resurgence in recent years.

The Nollaig na mBan tradition of women getting together has spread in more in the past while, the ICA said.

Women gather in restaurants and hotels and comfortable lounges for high-end meals, and while years ago they would have enjoyed a bottle of stout, the bottle of wine appears to be replacing that tradition.

Do the women in your family/household get a day off on Nollaig na mBan?