The holiday season is one full of tradition. This time of year, many of us will mark the season by putting up a tree, hanging lights, and visiting family and friends. But how many of you are ready for the knock on the door from Mari Lywd “The Grey Mare”?
When the knock comes, and you open the door you are greeted by the skull of a horse rhyming on your doorstep wanting to come inside. You look closer and notice the skull is adorned with bells, ribbons, and is placed upon a stick held by a merrymaker hidden beneath a sack cloth. They are here to challenge you to a battle of poetic and musical wit with the goal of winning an invitation inside to share spoils of festive food and drink.
This good natured but terrifying spectacle is an ancient tradition and is believed to be a pre-Christian pagan ritual that endured through centuries of spiritual shifts and regimes. Although the “pwnco” (a musical poetic battle) between the merrymakers touting the grey mare and local residence has greatly decreased there has been a recent resurgence in small communities celebrating this eccentric yuletide tradition.
The new age of Mari Lwyd may feature less drinking, and milder “insults” during the poetic battles; but the rich artistic side stands strong. With striking costumes, witty poetry, and folk music paired with theatrical performance featuring punch and judy style antics it makes for an entertaining fun experience that brings small communities together.
This year be sure to sharpen your wit, and listen out for a knock at the door as you never know when the grey mare may come for a visit.