TODAY IS TRADITIONALLY the day that Catholics place the three wise men in their household cribs (before taking them out and putting the decorations away).

The Feast of the Epiphany falls each year on 6 January, or the 12th day of Christmas.

However, in Ireland (and only in Ireland), it is also known as Nollaig na mBan, Little Christmas, Women’s Christmas or Women’s Little Christmas.

It was the day on which women - supposedly worn out by doing the Christmas cooking – were allowed to take a break while the men did the cooking and cleaning.

So this is Nollaig na mBan,#Women's Christmas. Not even a @PublicHoliday ! Some way to honour 50% of population. Shall we start a campaign?
— Seán Kelly MEP (@SeanKellyMEP) January 5, 2015

Sean Kelly MEP / Twitter

For all the ladies. In celebration of Nollaig na mBan or Women's Little Christmas, all men need to do the chores and look after loved ones.
— Andrew Doyle (@AndrewTDoyle) January 6, 2015

Andrew Doyle TD / Twitter

Beannachtai Nollaig na mBan. To all Enjoy Women's Little Christmas. Hope it's a good day.
— Senator Jerry Buttimer (@jerrybuttimer) January 6, 2015

Jerry Buttimer TD / Twitter

Despite our politicians’ enthusiasim and the events being held in some parts of the country (particularly in Cork and Kerry), some people haven’t yet heard of the celebration.

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It’s been an exhausting couple of weeks for men and women alike? So, are you celebrating Women’s Little Christmas?

Poll Results:

No (1784)

Yes (845)

Didn't even know it existed (660)

I currently look like this... (303)

WWII British Isles AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Let us know your plans, your thoughts on the day and any other Women’s Little Christmas musings in the comments section.

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