7 Welsh Christmas Traditions You Need To Know

Christmas is a magical time of year in Wales, with a unique blend of traditional and modern celebrations. From the stunning landscapes to the warm and welcoming culture, Wales is a wonderful place to experience the festive season. In this article, we'll delve into 7 Welsh Christmas traditions that you need to know.

The History of Christmas in Wales

Christmas has been celebrated in Wales for centuries, with the country's Christian heritage playing a significant role in shaping its festive traditions. The early Christian church in Wales was heavily influenced by the Celtic traditions of the ancient Britons, which is still reflected in the country's Christmas celebrations today.

Celtic Influences on Welsh Christmas Traditions

The ancient Celts celebrated the winter solstice, which falls on December 21 or 22, with festivals and rituals to mark the longest night of the year. Many of these Celtic traditions have been incorporated into modern Welsh Christmas celebrations, such as the use of evergreen trees, holly, and mistletoe.

1. Calennig: The Welsh Christmas Carol

Calennig is a traditional Welsh Christmas carol that dates back to the 19th century. The song is sung on New Year's Eve, rather than Christmas Day, and is a popular tradition in many Welsh towns and villages. The lyrics of Calennig are a mix of Welsh and English, and the song is often sung while going door-to-door, with the singers asking for food, drink, or money.

Calennig: A Song of Good Luck and Prosperity

Calennig is a song of good luck and prosperity, with the lyrics wishing the listener a happy and healthy new year. The song is often sung with a cup of wassail, a traditional Welsh drink made from apple juice, sugar, and spices.

2. Plygain: A Midnight Christmas Service

Plygain is a traditional Welsh Christmas service that takes place at midnight on Christmas Eve. The service is a beautiful and atmospheric celebration of the birth of Jesus, with hymns, prayers, and readings in Welsh and English.

Plygain: A Time for Reflection and Celebration

Plygain is a time for reflection and celebration, with many churches in Wales holding special midnight services on Christmas Eve. The service is often followed by a traditional Welsh breakfast, with tea, coffee, and bara brith (a sweet bread) served to the congregation.

3. Mari Lwyd: A Horse's Skull and a Christmas Tradition

Mari Lwyd is a traditional Welsh Christmas custom that involves a horse's skull and a group of singers. The tradition takes place on New Year's Eve, with the singers going door-to-door, singing and asking for food and drink.

Mari Lwyd: A Symbol of Fertility and Good Luck

The horse's skull is a symbol of fertility and good luck, and is often decorated with ribbons and flowers. The tradition of Mari Lwyd is believed to have originated in the 19th century, and is still celebrated in many parts of Wales today.

4. Bara Brith: A Traditional Welsh Christmas Bread

Bara brith is a traditional Welsh Christmas bread that is made with dried fruit, tea, and spices. The bread is often served on Christmas Day, and is a popular tradition in many Welsh households.

Bara Brith: A Sweet and Delicious Treat

Bara brith is a sweet and delicious treat that is perfect for the festive season. The bread is often served with butter or margarine, and is a popular accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee.

5. Pantomime: A Welsh Christmas Theater Tradition

Pantomime is a popular Welsh Christmas theater tradition that involves a comic performance with music, dance, and slapstick humor. The performances often take place in theaters and village halls throughout Wales, and are a popular treat for families and children.

Pantomime: A Fun and Festive Celebration

Pantomime is a fun and festive celebration that is perfect for the Christmas season. The performances often feature popular fairy tales and stories, with plenty of audience participation and interaction.

6. Y Fari Lwyd: A Welsh Christmas Folk Play

Y Fari Lwyd is a traditional Welsh Christmas folk play that involves a group of actors and musicians. The play tells the story of the birth of Jesus, with plenty of music, dance, and drama.

Y Fari Lwyd: A Traditional and Festive Celebration

Y Fari Lwyd is a traditional and festive celebration that is perfect for the Christmas season. The play is often performed in village halls and theaters throughout Wales, and is a popular treat for families and children.

7. Nadolig Llawen: A Welsh Christmas Greeting

Nadolig Llawen is a traditional Welsh Christmas greeting that means "Merry Christmas" in English. The phrase is often used on Christmas cards and in festive messages, and is a popular way to wish friends and family a happy and festive Christmas.

Nadolig Llawen: A Heartfelt and Festive Greeting

Nadolig Llawen is a heartfelt and festive greeting that is perfect for the Christmas season. The phrase is often used in conjunction with other Welsh Christmas traditions, such as Calennig and Plygain.

We hope you've enjoyed learning about these 7 Welsh Christmas traditions. Whether you're from Wales or just visiting, these traditions are a wonderful way to experience the magic and wonder of the festive season.