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Calan Gaeaf: Discovering Halloween’s Welsh Roots

Halloween, with its jack-o'-lanterns, trick-or-treaters, and spooky decorations, has become one of the most celebrated holidays in the UK. While many people associate it with American traditions, the origins of Halloween stretch much further back—and right into the heart of Wales. The Welsh festival of Noson Galan Gaeaf, or Calan Gaeaf Night, carries ancient traditions that offer a deeper, more mystical connection to the changing seasons and the spirit world.

St Georges star trail

What is Calan Gaeaf?

Calan Gaeaf, celebrated on November 1st, marks the beginning of winter in Wales, much like the Celtic festival of Samhain. It’s a time to honour the harvest, acknowledge the shortening days and colder nights, and reflect on the cycles of life and death. As the old year ends, Calan Gaeaf was thought to be a moment when the veil between the world of the living and the dead was at its thinnest. This led to the belief that spirits could walk among us—much like the more well-known traditions of Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

Autumn Leaves in the Sun

Noson Galan Gaeaf: Spirits and Superstitions

The night before Calan Gaeaf, Noson Galan Gaeaf, was a time for the spirits to come out. The night was steeped in superstition, and people took part in various rituals and customs to either connect with or ward off these spectral visitors. For centuries, this night was a spiritual and festive occasion, before the Church declared November 1st as All Saints’ Day in 609 AD, encouraging prayers for the souls of the departed rather than festivities with them.

Lighted bonfire photography 1434598

Time-Honoured Traditions of Noson Galan Gaeaf

Stwmp Naw Rhyw: This dish, made with nine different vegetables, was a staple on Noson Galan Gaeaf. Eating it was thought to keep evil spirits away, and in some homes, a wedding ring was hidden in the dish—whoever found it was said to be the next to marry!

Twco Fala (Apple Bobbing): Sound familiar? Bobbing for apples is still a popular Halloween game today, but in Wales, it was part of the harvest celebrations, with apples being plentiful at this time of year.

The Harvest Mare: Another harvest game involved hiding a small horse made from corn stalks. Whoever found the mare would have good fortune for the coming year.

Bonfires (Coelcerth): One of the most important traditions was lighting bonfires to keep away harmful spirits. People would throw stones marked with their names into the fire, and the condition of the stone the next morning would tell their future. If the stone was unscathed, it meant good luck.

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The Darker Side of Noson Galan Gaeaf

Like many ancient festivals, Noson Galan Gaeaf also had a darker side, with a few ominous characters haunting the night:

Y Ladi Wen (The White Lady): This ghostly figure was believed to guard graveyards. Her appearance was a sign that the dead were near, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the night.

The Hwch Ddu Gwta (The Black Sow): The terrifying Hwch Ddu was a spectral pig that would chase people home at the end of the celebrations. This creature served as a reminder that not all spirits were friendly.

Pumpkin patch

A Rich Heritage of Halloween Traditions

Though many Halloween customs in the UK now mirror those from America, Wales’s Calan Gaeaf reminds us of the rich, ancient traditions that still exist in our own culture. Whether you're lighting a bonfire, bobbing for apples, or enjoying a modern Halloween party, there’s a deeper history at play. Noson Galan Gaeaf is a beautiful blend of the old and the new—a chance to embrace the mystery of the past while celebrating the present.

Calan Gaeaf: Discovering Halloween’s Welsh Roots

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