| Summary: | Colliers resident Dennis Flynn answers questions about the wren tradition as it was practiced in his community growing up; describes how the wren and wrenstick were homemade from various materials. There were never any real birds involved; Christmas ornaments were often used. Both boys and girls went out from house to house. Older people would go out in the evening with instruments and perform--singing, dancing and recitations. The wren is just one of several Christmastime house-visiting traditions that continue in Newfoundland and Labrador. Typically, children and/or adults will visit homes within their community carrying around an effigy of a small bird—the wren. Upon entry into a home, they usually recite a poem about the wren and may offer some kind of performance, be it song, joke, or recitation. Often the host will offer up food, drink, or money for the visit. Unlike other house-visiting traditions, there are no disguises involved.
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