Nos Galan Gaeaf:
Welsh Autumnal Folk Afternoon
Saturday 31st October 2-4.30pm
Hook Sports and Social Club, Newtown Road, SA62 4ND
‘Nos Galan Gaeaf was the weirdest of the three nights; on it spirits walked abroad’
Immerse yourself in an atmospheric afternoon of folklore and music surrounding the Welsh celebration Nos Galan Gaeaf (Winter’s Calend).
This informal event will start with a talk about Welsh folklore surrounding this time of year, including tales of Ladi Wen (the headless white lady), Hwch Ddu Gwta (the tail-less black sow), divination rituals, and more.
You can then have a go at carving a turnip lantern, the European predecessor to pumpkin carving, while listening to live harp music and sampling soul-cakes, a traditional cake associated with All Soul’s Day, and hear about the practice of ‘souling’. All materials will be provided.
Book a place
2-4.30pm, Saturday 31st of October at Hook Sports and Social Club, New Road, Hook, SA62 4ND.
Note: Children are welcome at this event though please bear in mind there’ll be about an hour of talking about folklore, so younger children may get restless. Any children must be supervised by an adult at all times and when lantern carving adults must take full responsibility for the use of knives or any other sharp implements. I’d therefore suggest a minimum age of 10 years old.
The souls cakes will be dairy free and contain wheat flour. A full list of ingredients will be available on the day. If you have any allergies please get in touch beforehand by emailing me at womanwithplants@gmail.com.
Tea and other drinks will be available to purchase from the bar on the day.
Toilets and parking are also available at the venue.
After booking you’ll receive a confirmation email with more info.
Image sources:
Turnip lanterns. Image source: https://u-jazdowski.pl/en/programme/residencies/projects/workshops-with-artists-in-residence/lampiony-z-rzepy-w-parku-ujazdowskim
Musician with harp. Image credit: Esther Williams
Soul cakes. Image source: https://www.sugarmaplefarmhouse.com/soul-cakes-recipe-for-samhain/
Nos Calan Gaeaf festivities painting: Image source: https://www.peoplescollection.wales/items/1761876