New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
| In Wales, January 3 was one of the Twelve Days of Christmas, and many wonderful traditions took place during this time. The Yule log was kept burning and its ashes kept as a charm for protection and fertility. Wassail was served (cakes and apples cooked together and mixed with warm ale and spices). A procession known as the Mari Lwyd took place in Wales in which a decorated horse's skull led a procession door to door in a contest of poetic skill. Recite this traditional song of winter poetry and story to brighten the dark nights:
Let us hear, wise ones, where you come from and what you request. The custom of wassailing has existed for a thousand years . . . Sing your best, as I shall too, and the winner shall drink ale! My talent is singing at night . . . I am an unbeatable rhymer! I'll sing for a year without fearing any evening during the holidays . . . |
