The Endless Christmas Party: Music, carols and the Mari Lwyd in Victorian Wales. Discover curious festive customs in the “Land of Song” (Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees EP82)

In Victorian Wales, the 12 Days of Christmas became the 12 Days of Carnage for some, with a little too much merriment leading to fisticuffs and debauchery. At the heart of the festivities was music, and it was during this period that Wales became known as the "Land of Song." There were mummers and Christmas carol singers in the streets, and a certain horse-skulled creature called the Mari Lwyd. But there was a fierce rivalry among the musicians to match any sporting rivalry, and the as bell ringers, waits and singers all fought it out - quite literally in some cases - to find the best music makers in Wales. Get in the festive mood with author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he explores the fascinating history and folklore of Wales on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare! What is the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast? In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends. By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects. New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogi, to dark and Gothic Halloween/ Nos Calan Gaeaf traditions to the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd. Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit: Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees Ghosts of Wales podcast