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Christmas is a time of celebration, community, and tradition. In Wales, the festive season comes with its own rich customs that reflect the country’s culture and history. From carols sung by candlelight to the curious figure of the Mari Lwyd, Welsh Christmas traditions offer a treasure trove of learning opportunities for schools. By weaving these into lessons, teachers can bring the festive season alive while helping pupils connect with their Welsh heritage.
Why Teach Welsh Christmas Traditions?
Cultural Identity: They give pupils a sense of pride in Wales’ unique heritage.
Curriculum Links: They connect to music, art, history, literacy, and languages
Inclusion: Pupils see how diverse traditions can enrich festive celebrations.
Fun and Engagement: Festive learning is memorable, creative, and joyful.
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Plygain Services
Traditionally, Plygain was a dawn carol service held in rural churches, where communities gathered to sing unaccompanied carols in rich harmonies. Today, some chapels still hold these services around Christmas time.
In the classroom:
– Explore the history of Plygain through music lessons.
– Encourage pupils to learn and perform a traditional Welsh carol.
– Link it to local community events where families can experience the tradition together.
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Mari Lwyd (The Grey Mare)
Perhaps the most striking Welsh Christmas custom, the Mari Lwyd is a decorated horse’s skull mounted on a pole, carried from house to house by a group who sing verses in a “pwnco” (a battle of rhymes). Families then respond with their own verses until one side gives in — at which point the Mari is invited inside.
In the classroom:
– Use drama to recreate the Mari Lwyd visit, with pupils composing their own rhyming verses.
– In art, create model Mari Lwyds using craft materials.
– Discuss its significance in preserving oral traditions and community spirit.
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Calennig (New Year Gift-Giving)
Although associated with New Year rather than Christmas itself, Calennig is an important part of the Welsh festive season. Children would go door to door on New Year’s morning, singing rhymes in exchange for gifts of food, sweets, or money. A decorated apple with sprigs of greenery and cloves was often given as a symbol of good luck.
In the classroom:
– Make Calennig apples in design and technology or craft sessions.
– Explore the idea of giving and sharing in PSHE, linking it to modern acts of kindness.
– Learn simple Welsh rhymes traditionally sung for Calennig.
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Welsh Christmas Food
Food is central to Christmas everywhere, and Wales is no exception. Traditional dishes included teisen lap (a moist fruit cake), bara brith, and roast goose before turkey became the norm.
In the classroom:
– Cook simple Welsh recipes, or host a “Welsh Christmas tasting” session.
– Compare festive foods from Wales with those from other cultures in geography or RE lessons.
This Christmas, why not let your classroom echo with the harmonies of Plygain, the laughter of Mari Lwyd verses, and the creativity of Calennig crafts? It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
