New song: Welsh Grey Mare / Mari Lwyd

Subject: New song for an old custom
From: Crane Driver
Date: 15 Dec 18 - 11:19 AM

A ‘new song for an old custom’, written by Andrew (Crane Driver) McKay & (Sussex) Carole Etherton, as a YouTube video illustrated by photos taken from the internet in the traditional manner. The Midwinter Horse tradition was, and is becoming again, common throughout Wales (UK). In the Welsh language she is called ‘Mari Lwyd’, the Grey Mare, and goes out at the New Year. She is represented by a decorated horse-skull set atop a pole, the carrier hidden by sheets. English-speaking parts such as the Gower peninsula also had their Midwinter Horse, but insisted that their traditions were different from the Welsh Mari, going out before Christmas accompanied by carol singers. We wanted a song which explained what was going on, including the idea of raising money for charity, and that donating to the Horse ‘bought’ you a share in the Good Luck that attended the ceremony. The seasonal aspects are also important – in the depths of winter, it’s comforting to know that even a dead horse can come back to life, if the right songs are sung. See the video at this link.

Subject: RE: New song for an old custom
From: Jeri
Date: 15 Dec 18 - 11:53 AM

Thanks - wonderful!
I don't believe we've heard enough from you both of late.

Subject: RE: New Welsh song: Gower Grey Mare / Mari Lwyd
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Dec 18 - 09:47 PM

Hi, Andrew and Carole - as usual, the song is lots of fun. Well done!
-Joe-