Happy Friday! Bit is off today, but we’re not going for groceries. She gets paid tomorrow and works a half day, so we’ll be going after she gets off work. Christmas was a small, comfortable celebration in our house, though Bit wasn’t feeling her best, she’s been fighting another cold or something.
The pups had their first Christmas, and while Sunny apparently knows what to do with presents and probably has experienced Christmas before, Buddy obviously has not. Sophie of course has had a Christmas every year since we got her, and I’m pretty confident she did at her foster home before us.
Today we’re going to learn about the Welsh tradition of Mari Lwyd, which takes place from Christmas day until 12th Night.
Buddy’s first Christmas, he was overwhelmed and needed some quiet time in my room. Just him and his Giraffe.
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Monday Youffraita
Tuesday: bigjacbigjacbigjac
Wednesday Pam from Calif
Thursday art ah zen
Friday FloridaSNMOM
Saturday FloridaSND
The Mari Lwyd sings:
”Wel dyma ni’n dwad (Well here we come)
Gy-feillion di-niwad (Innocent friends)
I ofyn am gennad (To ask leave)
I ofyn am gennad (To ask leave)
I ofyn am gennad i ganu (To ask leave to sing)”
One response if you want to banish the Mari Lwyd:
Why should I join with those in Play,
In whom I’ve no delight,
Who curse and swear, but never pray,
Who call ill Names, and fight.
I hate to hear a wanton Song,
Their Words offend my Ears:
I should not dare defile my Tongue
With Language such as theirs . . .
One response if you want to invite her in:
Wine comes in at the mouth
And love comes in at the eye;
That’s all we shall know for truth
Before we grow old and die.
I lift the glass to my mouth,
I look at you, and I sigh.
This one is in English.
The Mari Lwyd is a centuries old tradition in Wales, likely pre-dating Christianity in the region and then usurped by it (or at least made it more palatable to the Christians by adding the “Horse kicked out of the Stable” bit). How would you deal with the Mari Lwyd? (answer in poll or comment).
I don’t think these guys would let it in. But they sure did create some Christmas chaos!
