Three Irish Christmas Traditions | O Holy Night with The Tabernacle Choir (featuring Neal McDonough)

Stream the newest Christmas album from the Choir, O Holy Night: https://tabernaclechoir.ffm.to/holynight

“Wild Mountain Thyme” is an Irish folk song with strong roots in Scottish traditions. The Belfast-based folk musician Francis McPeake took an old Scottish song from the early 19th century, “The Braes of Balquhither,” adapted the lyrics and melody (or perhaps simply transcribed a more recent Irish version) and recorded it as “Wild Mountain Thyme” in 1957. It has since become a popular Irish favorite, recorded dozens of times by artists including Judy Collins, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor.

Based on that melody, Mack Wilberg arranged a new Christmas carol with lyrics by David Warner that focus on the rich symbolism of Irish Christmas traditions. Preparing the home and hearth for a celebration is a symbol of preparing our hearts for the spiritual renewal offered at Christmas. The tradition of putting a candle in the window denotes a safe place where travelers, the poor, and those seeking refuge can find welcome, just as Mary and Joseph sought a place to stay in Bethlehem. Decorating with a holly wreath is a simple but significant way of remembering that the Holy Baby born at Christmas would one day wear a crown of thorns and His sacrifice would help heal the world. The narration given by award-winning actor Neal McDonough in the 2021 Christmas concert told the story of these Irish traditions, and Broadway star Megan Hilty joined the Choir and Orchestra in tenderly performing the new musical setting.

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