REVIVING AN OLD EASTER TRADITION
A fun time for youngsters:
TRADITIONS such as hot cross buns and Easter eggs have long been associated with this time of year.
But efforts are underway on Anglesey to revive an activity that took place in villages across the island almost 200 years ago, which could be described as an early trick or treat of sorts.
‘Clapio Wyau’, translated as ‘clapping for eggs’, is an activity that was held during the 19th century over the Easter period.
The practice, which is only known to have taken place on Anglesey, would see children go from farm to farm asking for eggs.
They were equipped with ‘clappers,’ simple wooden instruments that were used as an accompaniment to the rhymes the children would sing whilst praying on the farmer’s generosity.
But Menter Iaith Môn, a group that promotes the Welsh language and heritage, has for the past few years been trying to re-establish the tradition and ensure the it isn’t lost to the history books.
This week, children in villages across Anglesey have been visited by officers from the Menter Iaith who have been teaching them about this custom before knocking on doors in their own communities to see if they can grab some tasty treats for themselves.
On Monday, officers visited both Carreglefn and Rhosybol, near Amlwch, where the youngsters first of all learnt the rhyme traditionally chanted in order to obtain the eggs at Easter.
“Clap, clap, gofyn wŵ, hogia bach ar y plwy, plîs ga’i ŵy?”
Then, they marched through the village, armed with clappers, to try their luck.
Thankfully, they were lucky enough to find locals who were more than happy to oblige.
Helen Thomas, who heads Menter Iaith Môn, said: “We’ve had eager requests from some villages because the children enjoy this Easter activity so much.
“It really is heartening to see communities, and the parents of young children, showing such enthusiasm for our Welsh traditions.
“Naturally we are very grateful to the kind community members who open their doors and reward the children’s ‘clapping’ and chanting with chocolate eggs.”