“Mari Lwyd”

Chepstow Wassail and Mari Lwyd Festival, January 2018.

The following notes have been extracted from Nick Treharne's Instagram account:

'A woman leads a Mari Lwyd through a narrow passage in Chepstow, one of over twenty Mari Lwyds to take part in the Chepstow Wassail and Mari Lwyd celebrations. An ancient Celtic custom to mark the passing of the darkest days of winter, the Mari Lwyd (or grey mare) comprises a hirses skull carried on a pole draped in white cloth, here decorated with ribbons, which goes from door to door seeking hospitality.'