The Irish Gallery has been made ready for the upcoming holiday celebrations.

 

Irish homes are cleaned from top to bottom and special holiday linens are brought out of storage. Holly is placed around the door to capture and keep evil spirits from entering the house. Mistletoe was known by the Celts as a healing plant as well as considered sacred for enemies to gather under in the forest and form a truce. Lighted candles are placed in windows on Christmas Eve.

 

Come and see the Christmas Crackers that when pulled apart create quite a surprise within!

 

 

 

 

 

Anne O'Keefe Irish Galley Woman of the Year honored at reception Sun. March 6, 2011 Irish Gallery of Ethnic Heritage Museum. Anne is President/CEO of Rockford Area Arts Council.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irish customs have their root in the time when the Gaelic Culture and religion of the country were being suppressed. Perhaps due to that, the customs have survived into modern times.

 

Visitors to this gallery can also see Waterford Crystal and Belleek Pottery!