What's Welsh about Halloween?
Have you always believed that celebrating Halloween in Wales was because of an American influence? I believed that children going trick or treating at the end of October was something that we saw in Hollywood films and were inspired to copy here. But I've been doing some research recently and there is a history in Wales linking to celebrating Calan Gaeaf.
A few facts about Calan Gaeaf:
- Calan Gaeaf is the name for the first day of winter in Wales, which traditionally was recognised as 1 November.
- Celebrating Noson Galan Gaeaf originates from the ancient Celtic festival, Samhain.
- The term 'Kalan Gayaf' is first recorded in literature as part of the Laws of Hywel Dda in the tenth century.
- The 'Hwch Ddu Gwta' was one of the most frightening ghosts connected with Noson Galan Gaeaf.
The commercialisation of Halloween is a more recent development, but the themes of 31 October have a Celtic and Welsh history.
Welsh Halloween Cards
Why not share a card to celebrate 31 October? Or you could frame a card to make a decoration to use every year.
More reading: BBC Bitesize Spooky Wales - Noson Galan Gaeaf