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THREAD: The Mari Lwyd!
The Mari Lwyd consisted of a horse's skull which had been buried in fresh lime for a year. In some cases, a wooden block was used instead of a horse's skull.
#Wales #History #FolkloreThursday
The Mari Lwyd consisted of a horse's skull which had been buried in fresh lime for a year. In some cases, a wooden block was used instead of a horse's skull.
#Wales #History #FolkloreThursday
A pole was inserted into the skull or wooden block and a white sheet draped over it. Coloured ribbons were used to decorate the skull with glass used to represent the eyes. Pieces of black cloth were then attached and served as ears.
#Wales #History #FolkloreThursday
#Wales #History #FolkloreThursday
The Mari Lwyd party consisted of a Leader, Sergeant, Merryman and Punch, and Judy. The Merryman brought his fiddle, Punch and Judy were dressed in tattered clothes with blackened faces with the rest of the party decorated with ribbons and sashes. #Wales #History #FolkloreThursday
As the party approached the house it was intending to visit, the leader would tap on the door while the rest of the party sang traditional rhymes. If the door was answered, the party and inhabitants of the house would engage in a 'battle of wits.'
#Wales
#Wales
When the house was entered, Y Fari paid special attention to the female occupants. This was done by neighing at the women as well as biting and nudging them. The Merryman played his fiddle while Punch and Judy began their show.
#Wales #History #FolkloreThursday
#Wales #History #FolkloreThursday
Judy entered with her broom to clean the hearth. She was then knocked to the floor by Punch who ran around attempting to kiss the women of the household. Punch was then chased through the house by Judy and hit with her broom.
#Wales #History #FolkloreThursday
#Wales #History #FolkloreThursday
Having sung and danced, the party sat to eat food and drink ale. On their departure, the Mari Lwyd wished the household a Happy New Year.
#Wales #History #FolkloreThursday
#Wales #History #FolkloreThursday
For those interested in seeing the Mari Lwyd in the flesh (or I should say the skull) @menterbroogwr are hosting the Mari Lwyd at The Corner House, Llangynwyd on Old New Year.
Sunday 13th of January | 7:30pm | The Corner House, Llangynwyd.
#Wales #History
Sunday 13th of January | 7:30pm | The Corner House, Llangynwyd.
#Wales #History
