Halloween is big in the UK, but Wales has traditions that stretch back hundreds of years. Nos Galan Gaeaf, the last evening before winter (according to Welsh traditions), has strong cultural ties.
Halloween Traditions in Wales
Many years ago, people would gather round coelcerths, or bonfires, and place marked stones in the flames. They would then search for them in the morning, and if a stone was missing, that person would experience bad luck. Leaving the bonfire was also a risk, as the Hwch Ddu Gwta, which is a tailless black pig that stands upright, would stalk the darkness. Often associated with a headless white lady, old rhymes warn that the monster would catch whoever was the last to leave. Feasts often took place, and people would be brought together with a nine-ingredient mash. Apple peels would also be thrown over the shoulder, as a way to find out if someone would be married the following year.
Even though traditions like this are part of Welsh history, modern-day Halloween celebrations look very different. Some of the events that are in the pipeline include An Evening of Ghost Stories, which is taking place at the National Botanic Garden in Wales. There’s also a House of Madness event taking place at the Philharmonic, with live entertainment. At the Angel Hotel, there’s a Haunted Hotel Party, which runs from 8 pm until 1 am.
Modern Media is Helping to Keep the Spirit of Halloween Alive
Even though some Halloween traditions aren’t around anymore, museums are helping to keep the older stories alive. Modern media has a big part to play. Horror releases, like the upcoming Carrie series, and Netflix’s Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story help to give classic stories one more moment in the spotlight. Podcasts offer insight into Halloween. The Halloween Podcast explores themes like ghost stories, folklore, and traditions.
Imagery even extends into iGaming. Online casino games like Franken-Kong It Up!, Coven Rising, and Big Bass Halloween all use darker themes to shine a light on the spooky season. Interestingly, Halloween playlists on Spotify are popular, showing how modern media is making Halloween more of a significant time of the year, but also how it’s possible to keep older stories circulating, long after they were first told.
For those who want to explore Welsh traditions or spooky stories, the Museum Wales website has a number of recordings available to listen to. Even though the recordings are translated, it helps to solidify Welsh folklore and how impactful it was to people at the time. St Fagans National Museum of History in Wales is known for hosting Halloween nights, which involve lighting a wickerman.
Workshops allow people to build structures that are synonymous with ancient magic, while museum workers tell stories that run throughout history. As street food and drink outlets are present, along with Makers Markets, it’s a good way not only to bring people to the museum, but also to make sure that the strong connection Wales has to Halloween is kept for future generations.
