Murphy, Judy and Will. Will Murphy and Judy Murphy, interview on the Wren tradtion, Colliers

• Main Author: Jarvis, Dale
• Other Authors: Murphy, Judy; Murphy, Will
• Format: Audio
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Festive events and games; Music and song; Objects; Social beliefs; practices and customs; Holidays; Christmas; Ritual; Effigies; Wren; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/ich_social/id/296

Colliers residents Will and Judy Murphy answer questions about the wren tradition 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. Dale Jarvis interviews Will Murphy and Judy Murphy on Wren traditions in Colliers. [Ryan Davis and Dennis Flynn in attendance] November 11, 2009 Introduction; background of the Wren; his history with the Wren; the Wren rhyme that he performed (partial); the children’s tradition; where they went; how they performed; how the tradition has changed; adult version of the tradition; Christmas visiting; how the Wren was incorporated into visiting – how the “Wren boys” were “born”; who/how many went out together; customary to have a “little nip” at each house; when they went out; how Colliers is laid out and the route that the Wren boys took; reaction of people visited; description of the Wren that was carried; how he tries to “retire” from the Wren; Colliers as Irish Catholic; Colliers as the place for the Wren; his thoughts on young people carrying the tradition; mummering as separate from the Wren; tradition of jannying in Colliers possibly during Halloween; the future of the Wren; performing the Wren for a man who was in a coma; Mr. Bartlett’s wake performance; his plans for continuing doing the Wren; record of 37 houses before supper; Judy states that she thinks the tradition will soon be over; recalling particular visits; how the visits proceeded; singing of songs – mostly “old rebel songs”; Judy relates that it was only done in part of the community; Will’s route as a child doing the Wren; Judy relates where children ...