EP82 The Endless Christmas Party: Curious festive customs in Victorian Wales with music, carols and the Mari Lwyd. Explore the history of the ”Land of Song” on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

In Victorian Wales, the 12 Days of Christmas became the 12 Days of
Carnage for some, with a little too much merriment leading to
fisticuffs and debauchery.

At the heart of the festivities was music, and it was during this
period that Wales became known as the "Land of Song." There were
mummers and Christmas carol singers in the streets, and a certain
horse-skulled creature called the Mari Lwyd.


But there was a fierce rivalry among the musicians to match any
sporting rivalry, and the as bell ringers, waits and singers all
fought it out - quite literally in some cases - to find the best
music makers in Wales.


Get in the festive mood with author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales)
as he explores the fascinating history and folklore of Wales on
the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare!


 


 
What is the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees
podcast?

In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast
dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.


By combining his unique research and insights from many books and
articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird
and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's
countless curious subjects.


New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything
from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical
beasts from the Mabinogi, to dark and Gothic Halloween/ Nos Calan
Gaeaf traditions to the skulled-headed Christmas favourite
herself, the Mari Lwyd.


Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch
with Mark Rees, please visit:


Mark Rees homepage

Mark Rees on social media

Books by Mark Rees

Ghosts of Wales podcast