North west London celebrated the arrival of the Mari Lwyd, as English and Welsh revellers came together for the annual midwinter tradition.
Hosted by the London Welsh Centre, more than 40 people made their way through Grey’s Inn road on 16 January, following a decorated horse’s skull from door to door.
Outside each pub, attendees took turns singing a song requesting entry. Revellers inside could choose to either deny or allow them entry, in a playful back-and-forth ritual known as ‘pwnco’.
The Southern Welsh custom of the Mari Lwyd, which roughly translates to ‘grey mare’, was traditionally celebrated in towns such as Glamorgan and Gwent, although its origins are largely disputed.
One interpretation of the horse’s skull connects it to the pale horses of Celtic and British mythology, which were thought to cross into the underworld. Another believes it to stem from pre-Christian pagan practices.
With its first recorded account in the 1800s, the event has seen a new resurgence in popularity across England and Wales.
Given the popularity of this year’s event, the Mari Lwyd can expect to be welcomed in the capital for another year to come.
Watch below to find out what those who attended thought about the custom:
Featured image credit: Clelia Frondaroli
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