To celebrate the winter solstice on New Year’s Day, a party of people with a horse’s skull stuck on a pole go and visit local hotels and homes. But they are not crazy - it is an ancient custom dating back to pre Christian times called the Mari Lwyd (The Grey Mare). The horse’s skull is painted white and decorated with ribbons, and is sometimes operated by a person under a white cloak with elaborate designs opening and snapping shut the mouth.

It’s not a friendly visit though, as the Mari Lwyd party sing insults in rhyme to the audience and expects them in return. This part of the proceeding is called Pwnco, and usually ends with drinks for the insulting winners. This custom was once widely seen thorough Wales, but is only practised today in the areas of Glamorgan and Gwent.

The Mari Lwyd is not so surprising really, as it reflects what really goes on during the festive season - we dress up, drink too much and end up insulting someone.

Take a look for yourself here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZu8lcuEUMY 

Find out more here http://www.folkwales.org.uk/mari.html and http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/279/ 

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