RAI RESEARCH SEMINAR

SEMINAR SERIES AT THE ROYAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITUTE

The Mari Lwyd in Wales: Celebration as National Identity.

Dr Juliette Wood, Cardiff University and The Folklore Society

Wednesday 24 September at 5.30 pm

The Mari Lwyd has been associated with New Year celebrations in Wales since the end of the nineteenth century. The custom involving a decorated horse head accompanied by a party singing in Welsh and in English has seen a dramatic revival in South Wales where it was once common, in other parts of Wales and among Welsh groups abroad. References also occur in literature and art.  For many the Mari Lwyd represents a uniquely Welsh custom having its roots in ancient Celtic horse sacrifices.  This seminar will consider how past and present attitudes to this particular custom have shaped it into a strong and positive image of Welshness and how its revival has created new dimensions to its meaning and function.

This event is free, but tickets must be booked. To book tickets please go to http://juliettewood.eventbrite.co.uk.