ARRE, MARE
the south of country has an old Christmas tradition: the Mari Lwyd, or “grey mare”. Dressed in this costume that includes a skull in horse, the person visits several houses and challenges the residents to a battle in rhymes
WAKE UP, GIRL!
In the 19th century, in rural areas, children had an extra reason to wake up early on the 26th: the last one out of bed was beaten with branches. inholly! Fortunately, the tradition of “holming” has fallen into disuse.
WAKE UP, BOY!
Another custom that has died is that of plygain. On Christmas Day, groups in men gathered to sing songs in Christmas in three voices – but the show started at 3 am. And it lasted up to four hours!
SWEET TO MARRY
While plygain didn’t start, the hobby was making toffees. The caramelized sugar was thrown into cold water and, if it took on the in a letter, it was the initial of future love in someone single in the family.
DRINK AND PASS
One of the typical drinks of the time is wassail, also common in other countries. It’s a punch with fruit, sugar, spices and warm beer. Generally, everyone drinks in the same bowl, large and richly decorated.
SAY CHEESE!
The festivities end on the “Twelfth Day in Christmas” (5 in January), when men hunt a bird called a wren and lock it in a box in wood. Then people pay 1 cent to open the box and see the animal.
TO TAKE THE CRUSH
Several cities win Christmas fairs. Winter Wonderland in Cardiff includes carousel, rink in skating, a typical alpine village and many small shops in artisan foods or handmade decorations.
CURIOUS STATISTICS
58 letters in village name Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
4000 years has the oldest tree in the countrya yew tree in the backyard of St. Digain church
40 welsh are part of the British Parliament
23% of the population is below the poverty line
SOURCES Websites wales, BBC, Historic UK It is Wales Online