Sy’n dod o Bendarren,” etc.
(Merry grey Mary,
Who comes from Pendarren.)
When a real skeleton could not be got, it was customary to make one of straw and rags. It seems that “Mari Lwyd” belonged more especially to Glamorganshire, yet it was well-known in Carmarthenshire also, not only in those places bordering on Glamorgan, but also in the Vales of Towy and Cothy. Mr. T. Davies (Eryr Glyn Cothi), and others, informed me that the “Mari” procession visited Llanegwad, and other places between Llandilo and Carmarthen only a few years ago. The curious custom was not known in Pembrokeshire, nor indeed in Cardiganshire, though I was informed that “Mari Lwyd” on one occasion at least did visit the latter county from Glamorganshire, and tramped across from Llandyssul, in the Vale of Teify, to New Quay, on the sea coast, calling at Lampeter and other places on the way.
According to the excellent Magazine, named “The Cambrian Journal” published 50 years ago, there was an old custom once at Tenby in Pembrokeshire, sometimes before, and sometimes after Christmas Day, for the fishermen to dress up one of their number, whom they called the “Lord Mayor of Penniless Cove,” with a covering of evergreens, and a mask over his face; they would then carry him about, seated on a chair, with flags flying, and a couple of violins playing before him.
Before every house, the “Lord Mayor” would address the occupants, wishing them “a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” If his good wishes were responded to with money, his followers gave three cheers, the masquer would himself return thanks, and the crowd again give “three times three,” hip, hip, hurrah!
There was also in vogue once the barbarous practice of “holly beating.” This was on the day after Christmas, St. Stephen’s Day, which consisted in a furious onslaught being made by men and boys, armed with large bushes of the prickly holly, on the naked and unprotected arms of female domestics, and others of a like class.
NEW YEAR’S DAY.
In Pembrokeshire, to rise early on New Year’s morning will, it is considered, bring good luck. On that morning also it is deemed wise to bring a fresh loaf into the house as it is considered the succeeding loaves throughout the year will be influenced by that performance.