A Welsh winter tradition has been warned by experts that it might disappear. What needs to be done to protect this vital cultural heritage?
Mari Lwyd, a Welsh folk tradition, is facing an uncertain future despite a period of revival, as growing challenges put it at risk of disappearing once again, according to an expert from St. Fagans National Museum of History.
Mari Lwyd is a traditional Welsh custom celebrated in winter. In this event, a group of people wear traditional clothes and masks made from a horse’s skull, and they speak only in Welsh. They go from house to house, stopping at each home to take part in a friendly poetry contest called “pwnco.” Participants take turns exchanging rhyming verses until one side runs out of words, after which the household invites them inside. Traditionally, people believe that a visit from Mari Lwyd brings good luck to the home.
“I used to dance for a folk Mari Lwyd dance group. During our heyday, about 40 years ago when I was in my 30s, we had nearly 50 members. But as our children grew up, they lost interest, and over time, the group gradually shrank. Now, there are only about a dozen of us left, I think it may disappear again,” said Goronwy Jones, a retired supervisor at St. Fagans National Museum of History.
This tradition was nearly lost in the past, but was revived in the 1970s. Today, some villages and regions in South Wales continue to perform this tradition annually, suggesting that it has escaped the threat of disappearing. However, the tradition may once again under threat as younger generations show declining interest in keeping it alive.
For centuries, Mari Lwyd has been a part of Welsh winter traditions, bringing a sense of mystery and festivity to local communities. But now, in some areas, the sound of knocking has disappeared. Revived in the past after nearly fading away, this ancient welsh tradition is once again at risk.
“Mari Lwyd was revived in the past, but the people who revived it are aging. It’s unclear how many young people will continue to carry it on,” said Goronwy Jones.
The Mari Lwyd tradition is performed according to the old calendar, usually taking place in rural areas of South Wales. During this time, a traditional group of people would set off and go door-to-door. “Since the performances are usually held in remote countryside areas far from the cities, fewer young people are willing to join in nowadays,” said Goronwy Jones.
“I’ve seen Mari Lwyd since I was a child, but I never thought about taking part,” said a 21-year-old student from Cardiff, “It feels like something for older generations. I can speak Welsh, but this tradition doesn’t feel relevant to me.”
The decline in participation is not the only issue. Mari Lwyd also faces a lack of support from government and cultural organizations. Although the museum showcases Mari Lwyd around Christmas time, the activity has not received the long-term promotional resources it needs.
“The government focuses more on national cultural events like the Eisteddfod, and less on smaller local traditions,” said Goronwy Jones. Some traditional cultural activities, like Mari Lwyd, lack the official and community support to ensure their long-term survival.
Facing these challenges, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, one of Wales’ largest youth organizations , is taking active steps to engage the younger generation. The organization is teaching young people how to dance the folk dances associated with Mari Lwyd, which plays an important role in reviving their interest in this unique tradition.
Today, Mari Lwyd stands at a crossroads. As its participants grow older, interest from the younger generation wanes, and the tradition’s survival is not optimistic. “My children, although they are very fluent in Welsh language, have no interest in continuing the dance or keeping Mari Lwyd alive,” said Goronwy Jones. Without new energy and younger participants, this tradition may once again disappear.
Mari Lwyd still has some influence in certain communities in South Wales, but its continued existence depends on whether the younger generation is willing to engage with it and pass it on. Unless this tradition become popular among younger generation, its long-term survival may remain in doubt.
”We are getting older, and with no one stepping in to take over, I believe the tradition will eventually die out, until someone revives it again,” said Goronwy Jones.