Mari Lwyd,

Mari Lwyd: A Haunting Welsh Tradition

Mari Lwyd is a fascinating Welsh folk custom involving a decorated horse’s skull mounted on a pole, carried by a person hidden under a white sheet. This eerie tradition, typically observed during the winter festive season, combines elements of wassailing, improvised poetry, and community celebration.

Quick Facts

When is it? December 25 to January 6
Tagged as: Welsh tradition, folk custom, winter celebration
What’s the hashtag? #MariLwyd
When was it founded? First recorded in 1800, but likely predates this
Who founded it? Unknown, evolved from Welsh folk traditions

History of Mari Lwyd

The Mari Lwyd tradition has its roots in Welsh folklore, possibly dating back to pre-Christian times. It gained popularity in South Wales during the 19th century, blending pagan elements with Christian festivities. The custom involves a group, usually men, carrying the Mari Lwyd from house to house, engaging in a battle of wits through song and rhyme with the occupants.

Timeline

1800: First written record of Mari Lwyd in J. Evans’ book “A Tour through Part of North Wales”
19th century: Tradition becomes widely popular in South Wales
Early 20th century: Practice declines due to opposition from some Christian clergy and changing social conditions
1960s: Revival begins in towns like Llangynwyd
1970s onwards: Resurgence of the tradition across Wales
2000: Aberystwyth organizes the world’s largest Mari Lwyd to mark the millennium

Mari Lwyd Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	Dec 25-Jan 6	Thu-Tue
2026	Dec 25-Jan 6	Fri-Wed
2027	Dec 25-Jan 6	Sat-Thu
2028	Dec 25-Jan 6	Mon-Sat
2029	Dec 25-Jan 6	Tue-Sun
2030	Dec 25-Jan 6	Wed-Mon

Observed Mari Lwyd

The Mari Lwyd celebration typically begins at dusk and can last late into the night. A group of performers, often dressed in colorful ribbons and rosettes, accompany the Mari Lwyd from house to house. The party usually includes a smartly dressed leader carrying a staff or whip, and sometimes other characters like Punch and Judy.

At each house, the group engages in a playful exchange of verses, known as pwnco, with the inhabitants. This improvised rhyme contest determines whether the Mari Lwyd party gains entry. If successful, they are welcomed inside for refreshments and merriment.

The tradition varies between villages, with some keeping the horse’s skull buried throughout the year and only unearthing it for the Christmas season. The custom is believed to bring good fortune to the homes that allow the Mari Lwyd to enter.

Fun Facts About Mari Lwyd

The name “Mari Lwyd” translates to “Grey Mare” in Welsh
Some Mari Lwyd skulls have glass pieces in the eye sockets to represent eyes
The jaw of the horse’s skull can sometimes be manipulated using strings or levers
Mari Lwyd is part of a wider “hooded animal” tradition found in various parts of Britain
The custom has inspired artistic depictions, including poetry and paintings

Quiz

What does “Mari Lwyd” translate to in English?
In which part of Wales did the Mari Lwyd tradition become most popular?
What is the name given to the improvised rhyme contest between the Mari Lwyd party and householders?
During which months is the Mari Lwyd tradition typically observed?
What material is sometimes used to represent the Mari Lwyd’s eyes?

(Answers: 1. Grey Mare, 2. South Wales, 3. Pwnco, 4. December and January, 5. Glass)

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Mari Lwyd tradition?
The Mari Lwyd tradition is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the houses it visits, while also serving as a form of community entertainment during the winter months.

Is the Mari Lwyd tradition still practiced today?
Yes, the tradition has seen a revival since the 1960s and is now celebrated in various parts of Wales, often with a modern twist.

What do people typically offer the Mari Lwyd party?
If allowed entry, the Mari Lwyd party is usually offered food and drink, particularly cakes and ales.

Are there similar traditions in other parts of the UK?
Yes, there are similar “hooded animal” traditions in other parts of Britain, such as the Hoodening in Kent and the Old Tup in Derbyshire.

Can women participate in the Mari Lwyd tradition?
Historically, the Mari Lwyd party was composed of men, but modern celebrations often include women as well.

Importance of Mari Lwyd

The Mari Lwyd tradition holds significant cultural importance for Wales, representing a living link to the country’s rich folkloric past. It embodies the Welsh love for poetry, music, and communal celebration, while also preserving elements of ancient Celtic beliefs and customs.

As a unique midwinter ritual, Mari Lwyd serves to bring communities together during the darkest time of the year. It encourages creativity through improvised verse and maintains a sense of mystery and magic that captivates both participants and observers.

Furthermore, the revival and continued practice of Mari Lwyd demonstrate the resilience of Welsh cultural identity. By adapting this ancient custom to modern times, Welsh communities are actively preserving and evolving their heritage, ensuring that these fascinating traditions continue to intrigue and inspire future generations.