editor
hiraethified
I've yet to see this in 'real life; but I like the sound of it very much indeed.
hyperallergic.com
The Mari Lwyd translates as the Grey Mare and is a part of a pagan tradition celebrated in Wales around December time - though some regions wait until January.
It involves a horse's skull, which is decorated with colourful reins, bells and ribbons.
The creature is then wrapped in a white sheet and placed on a pole.
Someone then crawls underneath the sheet to carry it flanked by a procession of people who are often dressed in traditional costume.
The group then travel around the village singing, ultimately challenging families to a battle of rhyming insults in Welsh.
At the entrance to each house, the Mari and her group try to gain access to the home by performing a series of verses, known as pwnco.
The homeowners then respond with their own rhymes, in a fake battle to outwit the creature and prevent her from entering the house.
The terrifying Welsh tradition that's become a popular meme
The tradition dating back to 1800 involves a horse's skull that takes part in a rhyming battle with villagerswww.dailypost.co.uk
The Skeletal Welsh Horse You Must Beat in a Battle of Rhymes
In the Welsh folkloric tradition of Mari Lwyd, a horse skull visits your home near Christmas, and you must best it in a challenge of rhymes.
hyperallergic.com
as!
