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Get ready to celebrate a unique and fascinating tradition on December 25 – Mari Lwyd! This holiday, also known as "Grey Mare", is a Welsh custom that dates back to at least the 19th century. It involves a group of people carrying a horse skull on a pole, adorned with ribbons and bells, while going door-to-door singing songs and engaging in playful banter with the homeowners. The origins of this tradition are shrouded in mystery, but it continues to be celebrated today as a way to bring good luck and blessings for the new year. So join in on the fun and embrace the quirky spirit of Mari Lwyd!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mari Lwyd Origins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Though likely tracing back even further, record of Mari Lwyd, a unique Welsh tradition involving a decorated horse's skull, can be found in the 19th century.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1954</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Ritual Observations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Folklorist Dr. E. C. Cawte documented and detailed the Mari Lwyd tradition following his research on British seasonal customs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Near Extinction</div><div class='timeline-text'>In mid-1970s, the tradition of Mari Lwyd neared extinction as it was scarcely observed in a few communities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Folk Revival</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Mari Lwyd tradition experienced a revival as part of a wider interest in British folk customs during the 1980s.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Mari Lwyd enjoys a resurgence in popularity in the 2010s, with schools and communities in Wales enthusiastically participating.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a Mari Lwyd costume</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get into the spirit of Mari Lwyd by making your own traditional horse skull mask and decorating it with ribbons, bells, and other festive items. You can also dress up in all white or gray clothing to fully embody the tradition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go caroling with a Mari Lwyd twist</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Instead of traditional Christmas caroling, gather a group of friends and go around your neighborhood singing Welsh songs and verses with a Mari Lwyd twist. It will surely bring some unique holiday cheer to your community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Mari Lwyd party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a Mari Lwyd party! Serve traditional Welsh dishes like cawl (soup) and Welsh cakes, and have a Mari Lwyd contest where guests can vote on the best decorated horse skull mask.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about the history and meaning of Mari Lwyd</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to research and learn about the origins and significance of Mari Lwyd. This will not only deepen your understanding and appreciation for the tradition, but also allow you to share this knowledge with others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Mari Lwyd event or parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community events for any Mari Lwyd celebrations or parades that you can attend. This is a great way to experience the tradition in action and connect with others who share an interest in Mari Lwyd.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a unique tradition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Mari Lwyd is a Welsh tradition that has been passed down for centuries. It involves a person dressed as a horse, carrying around a decorated horse's skull and visiting homes to perform songs and dances. This one-of-a-kind custom is both fascinating and entertaining!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Mari Lwyd tradition involves going door-to-door and singing songs with friends and family. It's a great way to bond over the holiday season and share in the festivities. Plus, it's a chance to meet new people and spread joy throughout the community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It represents Welsh heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Mari Lwyd is deeply rooted in Welsh culture and history. It's a celebration of their rich traditions and customs, highlighting the country's vibrant folklore. Embracing the Mari Lwyd is a wonderful way to honor and preserve this unique aspect of Welsh heritage.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mari Lwyd Represents the Passing of the Old Year</h3><p class='facts-content'>Mari Lwyd is usually celebrated on New Year’s eve or in early January, symbolizing the transition from the old year to the new. This mysterious equine figure represents the passing of time in a uniquely Welsh way.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pagan Origins of Mari Lwyd</h3><p class='facts-content'>Mari Lwyd’s roots stretch back to pagan traditions, likely connected to the pre-Christian belief in horses as sacred and magical creatures. This gives an otherworldly, spiritual aspect to the celebration.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Structure of Mari Lwyd Song</h3><p class='facts-content'>The songs sung during Mari Lwyd's visits are composed of intricate, witty verses and are followed by a set rhyme scheme. This unique way of caroling sparks creativity and wit among participants.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sudden Uprise in Popularity of Mari Lwyd</h3><p class='facts-content'>This tradition of horse skull parading was nearly extinct by the mid-20th century, but a massive revival in Welsh culture during the 1970s and 1980s restored its popularity. Today, Mari Lwyd is celebrated with much fanfare across Wales.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Admission of Mari Lwyd is Believed to Bring Good Luck</h3><p class='facts-content'>Mari Lwyd and her group engage in a tradition of bantering or "pwnco" with the residents to be invited inside. It is believed welcoming the decorated horse’s skull brings good fortune for the coming year.</p></div></div>
Mari Lwyd is celebrated on December 25 every year. In 2024, Mari Lwyd will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
Dec 25
Monday
2024
Dec 25
Wednesday
2025
Dec 25
Thursday
2026
Dec 25
Friday
2027
Dec 25
Saturday
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