At the Plygain celebration over the weekend, after there had been plenty of Welsh carols sung and a break for tea and snacks, we had some surprise visitors. Some local Wassailers accompanied by the Coppertown Mari Lwyd (Mari Trecopr). We moved quickly from traditional Xmas hymns to Mari-led mayhem.
The Mari Lwyd arrives with her companions and knocks on the door to be let in. It’s the job of the people inside to keep the mischieveous Mari out so there’s a battle of wits and rhyme – a sort of ancient rap battle – until the Mari and her gang are let in. This frisky Mari tried to knock back a glass of mulled wine!
This wonderful evening of Welsh tradition was led by David Pitt (who inhabits the Mari) and Margot Morgan, who organises the Aderyn Du (Black Bird) Brynmill Community Choir.
I really enjoy your Mari posts and was struck by a resemblance to what happens elsewhere. We are lining up for Lunar New Year here and this post shows some of the celebrations in Japan. https://blueandwhitetokyo.com/2020/01/23/blue-white-new-year-good-news/
If you scroll down to the second photo you see the Japanese shishi mai (lion) it reminded me of the Mari in some ways. This is roughly the same mythological beast as the Chinese lions seen in the lion dance performances. Apparently they terrorise children trying to eat their heads during the new year’s dance.
Hahaha I like these things that terrorise children 😀 It’s fascinating to see the Japanese celebrations, thanks