12 Demons of Xmas Day 7: Mari-Lwyd
It’s everyone’s favorite caroling horse skull, the Mari-Lwyd!
Day 7 of the 12 Demons of Xmas is everyone’s favorite pastoral ghoul, the Mari-Lwyd of Wales! (Pronounced “mah-ree loyd,” for non-Welsh speakers out there.
Like many folk legends, there isn’t a clear origin story for the Mari-Lwyd. One Welsh translation styles her as the Grey Mare, which links her to the various pale horses in Celtic and British mythology, many of whom can cross over to the underworld, usually with some kind of ghostly rider or groom.
Other scholars think she has more to do with Mary, the mother of Jesus, which is why she comes out at Christmastime. There’s even a creepy story about a pregnant horse who was turned out of the stable so that Mary would have space to birth her baby. The pregnant horse wandered the night, in search of a place to bear her foal, and the Mari-Lwyd is a tribute to this homeless would-be horse mom.
Still others believe that Mari-Lwyd is a relic of some long-forgotten pagan winter tradition that predates Christmas celebrations. Though there’s no evidence that this is the case, it’s just as likely as any explanation for this wandering, unsettled horse demon.
If you want to bring this tradition home, just pull out a white sheet and decorate it with ribbons and bells. Learn the traditional Mari-Lwyd song (linked here), or just partake in the grand old Welsh tradition of pwnco: an exchange of rude rhymes between the Mari-Lwyd and the person denying her entry (the saltier, the better).
And if you don’t have a horse skull of your own to decorate, make one out of paper! I made a prototype mask out of paper, and copied the pattern for you to print out and decorate with your kith and kin during these last few days of the festive season. Nothing like horse skulls to make your Xmas celebrations complete! The images are below, at the end of this message.
If you’re truly brave, wear these masks out caroling—and don’t leave until they’ve given you some food, some age-appropriate beverages, and maybe some spare change to give to charity, if they’re feeling generous. (Make sure you’re well-stocked with rude retorts if they’re not!)
If you want to learn more about the magical Mari-Lwyd, go and check out the official Mari-Lwyd page of Wales. They’ve done tons of work documenting this tradition and keeping it alive for Welsh folks everywhere (like me!) and we should be grateful for all they’ve done to preserve such a delightful and spooky gal for our Xmas festivities. They’ve even gone around to Welsh primary schools to make masks and teach the next generation of Welsh children about how to keep the Mari-Lwyd tradition alive.
If you want to watch a heartwarming video about the whole thing, watch this. It brings a tear to me eye, and kindles the ol’ Christmas spirit like nothing else.
I hope Mari-Lwyd brings as much joy to your heart as it does mine.
She’s truly like nothing else.
Nadolig Llawen, my friends!
🐴Becca Lee, the Haunted Librarian🐴
Here are the mask patterns! There are two sides, so be sure to print them both. It will probably work best on cardstock. Feel free to send in pics of your Mari-Lwyds, if you do make these! You can reply directly to this email or tag me in your photos in instagram. 🖤
*Constantly* thinking about the "gimme some beer!" Panel and wondering if you'd ever consider making it a shirt.