How to Make a Mari Lwyd | Welsh Christmas Traditions & Folklore
How do you make a Mari Lwyd? Every winter in Wales, something slightly strange appears at doorways and festive gatherings – the Mari Lwyd, one of Wales’s most distinctive Christmas traditions.
A decorated horse skull, brought to life by a group of revellers keeping an old Welsh winter tradition alive – or, in some cases, giving it a contemporary spin.
Make your own Mari!
In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Ronnie Kerswell-O’Hara from the National Trust at Dinefwr, Llandeilo, to explore how a Mari Lwyd is actually made – from sourcing and preparing the skull, to building the structure, decorating it, and even how to carry it without injuring yourself or anyone else.
Alongside the traditional approach, we also look at how the Mari Lwyd is evolving today, from alternative materials like cardboard and 3D printing to new feminist interpretations of the practice.
Watch the episode below, or check it out and more videos on YouTube:
Whether you’re interested in Welsh folklore, Christmas traditions, or just fancy making your own Mari Lwyd, I hope you enjoy the episode.
Until next time… nos da! 👻
Want more Mari Lwyd episodes?
Be sure to check out the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast archive – also available on YouTube – for lots more episodes.
The audio only version of this episode can be downloaded here.
Got an idea for a festive episode? Get in touch!
Mark is always looking for weird and wonderful places, people and things for his next cultural adventure. They don’t have to be creepy or kooky, although that does help!
Know a great story, a curious location, an unusual shop, cafe, museum or garage, a spectacular Christmas light display, a bucketful of fairies, a haunted chimney, or even a yeti lurking in your back garden?
If you have an interesting story to tell, or just think Mark might enjoy seeing something, he’d love to hear from you. Anything and everything is welcome, so get in touch here!
