Today, 13th January, is Hen Galan, a Welsh celebration for the 'old new year'. Here are some fun facts!
- 'Hen Galan' is the Welsh for 'old new year'
- It follows the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian.
- It is still celebrated in Cwm Gwaun, Pembrokeshire.
- Traditionally it was a bigger celebration than Christmas!
- Children sing for 'Calennig'; New Year gifts of sweets, fruit and money.
- The men celebrate with Mari Lwyd, where they chant through the village with a decorated horse’s skull.
- When the men visit your house and you cannot recite a verse, the group of men will invite themselves (or are often welcomed) in for food and celebrations!
- The main reason for celebrating is to bring the villagers together, and to have a good time of course!
- You can find a traditional Hen Galan song below:
Blwyddyn Newydd dda i chi
/ A happy new year to you
Ac i bawb sydd yn y tŷ
/ And to everyone in the house
Dyma fy nymuniad i / This is my wish
Blwyddyn Newydd dda i chi
/ A happy new year to you
2 comments
we used this in school. Thanks so very much! VEEEEEERY HELPFUL!
LOVE this post! Hope you will do MORE like it in future. THANKS!