St. Philomenas Cord (4mins 34secs)
Here is a very strong tradition within this community where a red and white cord bracelet, known as St Philomena's Cord, is worn for protection. Worn mostly on the wrist by men and women, it is also worn around the belly by young women wishing to become pregnant. The tradition was once popular within the non-travelling community in Ireland however it has faded away. Loads of great contemporary takes on this, ie where to get them, what it means when it breaks etc. It is also said that someone has to give you it or buy it for you as you can't "buy your own luck".  One of the women called Kitty has a great account of wearing it when pregnant and the nurses in the hospital tried to cut it off her when she was having her baby. However, Kitty insisted it be left on her. She then relays a great story of a doctor of a different nationality in Tallaght hospital and how he spotted a cord on one of her children's arms and he passed comment as in their culture, they wear a version in black. She did not relay where exactly the doctor was from. She ends the clip by telling us a funny story of her son who tries to take the cord of his sister's arm and leg when she is in the bed sleeping!