Conway Mill Trust

Traditionally, the period between Samhaim and Shrovetide (the Tuesday before Lent) was dominated by thoughts of romance, matchmaking, and marriage.  During this slack time for farm work, energies could be diverted to affairs of the heart.  Church laws exerted a bit of extra pressure for quick success.  Even into the 20th Century, the Church in Ireland forbade marriages during Lent, creating a rush to tie the knot before this period of restraint and abstinence started.