Hen Galan

In Pembrokeshire Hen Galan, or New Year according to the Julian calender, is celebrated on 13th January.  The Julian calender was abolished in 1752 and replaced by the Gregorian calendar.  The people of the Gwaun Valley, Pembrokeshire resisted this change and today still celebrate the New Year in the old way.

Children go from house to house, carrying an apple decorated with a sprig of evergreen.  The apple represents prosperity and the children are rewarded with sweets and money.  Sing songs are performed and traditionally the men would go game hunting and the women would prepare a feast.

Tonight there will be much music and singing in the valley.