Halloween is almost here, making it the perfect time to dive into Wales’ eerie Nos Calan Gaeaf traditions.
This year, Mark Rees will be celebrating with two – yes, two! – Halloween episodes of the podcast, complete with special guests!
For centuries, Wales has celebrated Halloween with unique customs and legends. On the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees, we’ve taken a deep dive into these spooky tales over the years, but this year, Mark Rees is joined by experts from both the cultural and paranormal fields for some exciting discussions on Welsh Halloween customs, ghost hunting, and the eerie connections between ancient folklore and modern traditions.
Nos Calan Gaeaf: The Heart of Halloween Traditions in Wales
First up is episode 129, in which Mark Rees is joined by cultural expert Chris Carra (Planet Health). They discuss how Halloween traditions in Wales have changed over time, from childhood memories of costumes to the historical roots of Nos Calan Gaeaf. They also explore how the holiday has evolved and how Welsh customs, like apple games and candlelight rituals, continue to influence celebrations today.
Trick-or-Treating and Welsh Folklore: A Surprising Connection
Did you know modern trick-or-treating has roots in folklore? The tradition of asking for bread on All Souls’ Day may have evolved into the fun and spooky tradition we now enjoy.
Carving Jack-o’-Lanterns with a Welsh Twist
Carving jack-o’-lanterns is a staple of Halloween, but in Wales, people traditionally used Welsh swedes (also known as rutabagas). These were carved into spooky faces, creating a haunting atmosphere for Nos Calan Gaeaf.
But the Welsh jac-y-lantern is even creepier than just some inanimate root vegetable — this spectral figure from Welsh folklore prowls the dark forests by night. Mark and Chris discuss these eerie practices and their connections to the myths and legends of Wales.
Ghostly Encounters and Haunted Tales from Wales
But it’s not all about talking about ghosts this Halloween – we’re also going out in a paranormal investigation!
In episode 130 of the podcast (available from October 26, 2023), Mark and Chris join a team of paranormal investigators to explore one of Wales’s newest “most haunted” locations. What spooky discoveries will they make in the haunted cellar? Tune in to find out!
Listen to the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees Podcast
Want to learn more about Nos Calan Gaeaf, Welsh folklore, and spooky Halloween traditions in Wales? How about a spine-chilling live ghost hunt?
Listen to the full Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees now! It’s available from all the usual places – Spotify/ Apple/ YouTube etc – don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!
And remember: if you’d like to support the podcast, you can treat Mark to a coffee here (which will definitely be a pumpkin spice latte at this time of year!). Thank you/ diolch!