Volume 13
Social Practices, Rituals and Festive Events
Contemporising Custom: the re-imagining of the Mari Lwyd
Contemporising Custom: the re-imagining of the Mari Lwyd
The Blue Mari Lwyd, Walthamstow, organised by Lucy Gibson
The first appearance of a new Mari Lwyd, 2017. Unusually, this example, rather than being tied to a specific location or community, was the work of an individual enthusiast. The loss of connection between the Mari Lwyd and a 'home' could mark another step in the evolution of the tradition.
The making of a modern Mari Lwyd. Patrick Dean and Matthew Youde assemble a ‘flat pack’ [see below] Mari Lwyd for an event in London, 2016.
The Llanfihangel Tor y Mynydd Mari Lwyd (left), hosting two additional Mari Lwyds in 2017. The appearance of multiple horse's head effigies at Mari Lwyd 'events' has become an increasingly common element of the tradition.
Los Angeles St. David’s Day Festival, 2013
A cardboard flat pack Mari Lwyd, constructed and organised by the Spring Heeled Jack band, performed at the London Welsh Centre and nearby venues.
The Blue Mari Lwyd, Walthamstow, organised by Lucy Gibson