Mari Lwyd: Developing Tradition in Multi-dimension
In 2013, we embarked on an exciting project to develop the Mari Lwyd tradition in communities and schools across Wales, working with professional designer David Pitt to create the first ever ‘flat pack’ Mari lwyd kit. Trac Cymru staff travelled around the country delivering workshops, working with local enthusiasts to bring communities together to learn about this unique Welsh tradition. People learned about the background, the songs associated with the tradition and about the ‘pwnco’ verse contest, with some writing their own new verses.
We worked with over 400 children on this project, in schools in Mold, Dolgellau, Tywyn, Llanelli, Swansea, Corris and Nefyn, made possible through the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council of Wales. Watch this short video about the project below!
Where there wasn’t a local real Mari Lwyd to hand, the flat-pack Mari designed by David Pitt has been incredibly useful. Many schools and local groups have been using the pack as a resource for their lessons, which can be bought via our store as small or large bundles.
A beautifully illustrated booklet was published as part of the project, and in it, historian Rhiannon Ifans explains the history of the custom and gives versions of a number of Mari songs together with translations of the verses. Many Mari Lwyds appear in the booklet, and we’d like to thank everyone who sent us pictures of their Mari!
The flat-pack kit is for sale with or without the book, and is made of heavy-duty double-walled cardboard which when strengthened with papier maché and varnish will be resilient and waterproof. Go get yours here!
Fancy learning more about the Mari? Click here to our dedicated Mari Lwyd page, found in our resources. Have a look at some of the fun Youtube comments below, from people around the world talking about this unique, Welsh tradition from our Mari Lwyd video.