At the start of 2011, S4C will be taking a look at two Welsh traditions connected to Christmas and the New Year, Plygain and the Old New Year. The two traditions remain strong in some Welsh communities.
In the programme Hen Galan a'r Plygain: Digwyddiadau 11 Mari Grug and Morgan Jones will join the communities of Llanfihangel yng Ngwynfa, Montgomeryshire, and the Gwaun Valley, north Pembrokeshire, to experience these unique events and learn more about their history.
Morgan Jones will be at Llanfihangel yng Ngwynfa for the Plygain service at the rural church. The service was held on Sunday 9 January and was led by Reverend David Francis. We experience the spiritual aspect of Plygain singing and learn about the tradition with some of the local people who took part.
Also in the programme, Mari Grug will be in the Gwaun Valley in north Pembrokeshire. On 13 January each year, the local community celebrates the Old New Year according to the Julian Calendar, which was replaced in 1752 by the Gregorian Calendar we follow today.
During the celebrations the children sing traditional songs and collect Calennig (new year gifts, usually money). They also compose their own words to sing to the traditional tunes. This year, Mari Grug joined in the fun.
We follow local youngsters as they go from house to house, singing and collecting their Calennig. Mari will also join the adults as they celebrate at the Gwelli Fawr Hotel and at the famous Dyffryn Arms (or Bessie's) where landlord Bessie Davies has served beer for over 40 years. The traditional tavern is central to the celebrations and has played an important role in keeping the Old New Year traditions alive.
© 2012 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales