An ancient Boxing Day tradition, brought to Newfoundland hundreds of years ago, persists in some Irish Catholic communities even to this day.

Something called the Wren, or the Wren Boys, is practiced in some places on St. Stephen’s Day, now popularly known as Boxing Day.

Boys, or sometimes men, would go door-to-door with an effigy of a bird, seeking a treat after reciting a short poem according to folklorist Dale Jarvis.

“The Wren, the Wren, the king of all birds

On St. Stephen’s Day was caught in the furze,

Although he was little, his honour was great,

Rise up my lady, and give us a treat,

Up with the kettle, and down with the pan,

Give us a penny to bury the Wren.”

Jarvis says it’s one of many visiting type traditions surrounding the Christmas season.

He likens it a bit to Hallowe’en. He says children might get a bit of change or a candy or treat, while men might get a “drop to drink” on their journey.

The tradition is still carried out in some communities particularly those on the Southern Shore and Conception Bay Center.