Traditional NewYear comes late for villagers
ATINY Welsh community is keeping old traditions alive today by celebrating the New Year 13 days after everyone else.
Unknown to many, the Welsh New Year is called Hen Galan and is celebrated on January 13, almost two weeks late.
This is because in the 1700s, the people of Wales used the Julian calender. It was replaced in 1752 by the Gregorian calender, which is the most commonly used today.
However, the small community of Cwm Gwaun in Pembrokeshire have hung on to their roots, and continue to celebrate the New Year according to the old ways.
Liliwen McAllister, who runs a bed and breakfast overlooking the Gwaun Valley, grew up in the area and often took part in the celebrations as a child.
She said: “Gwaun Valley always stuck to the Julian Calender, but the celebrations have altered quite a bit from when I was a young girl.
“Farms used to brew their own beer and their doors would always be open to any who came to visit.
“When I was young, me and my friends would walk around to the different farms to sing songs and receive gifts, and if you arrived at a home that was sitting down to eat, you’d have to join them at their table and enjoy the meal as well. These days parents drive their children to the different farms to sing.
“Old New Year’s Day used to be as special as Christmas Day, with turkey and trifle, mince pies, plum pudding – it was a feast.
“In the evening, you could drink as much beer as you like, or tea and coffee.
“We’d be at a farm, and there would be another feast for dinner, with a big piece of ham, with sauces, trifle, flan and so many cakes.
“These days we go down to Bessie’s – the Dyffryn Arms – and the schoolchildren come and sing to us.
“I think last year there were around 40 schoolchildren!”
The Dyffryn Arms is famous for its characterful landlady Bessie, whose family has run the pub since 1840.
Hedydd Hughes, of Llanychllwydog Primary School in the Gwaun Valley, said: “The children get a day off school, however that hasn’t happened this year.
“We go from house to house within the locality and sing songs for the New Year. The residents usually give the children sweets or money, making it well worth their time. The songs we sing are particular to the area.
“Usually the older generation gathers in each other’s homes or a hotel, or at the local pub. The beer used to be all home-brewed, and I think some still is, but usually not.”
She added: “We’re hoping that some older pupils will take part since it’s a Saturday.”