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Join the Welsh tradition of Calennig to ring in the new year with good luck and prosperity - don't forget your gifts of fruit and sweets!
Get ready to celebrate Calennig on January 13, a unique and ancient Welsh tradition that marks the start of the new year. The word "calennig" comes from a combination of two Welsh words meaning "new year's gift". This celebration dates back to pre-Christian times when people would exchange gifts and well wishes for the coming year. Today, it is celebrated with singing, dancing, and sharing traditional dishes such as Welsh cakes and bara brith. So let's welcome the new year with this joyful and heartwarming tradition!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>14th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Calennig References</div><div class='timeline-text'>Earliest mentions of the Calennig tradition are found in medieval Welsh poetry, although the practice is likely older.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>19th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Calennig Apple Tradition</div><div class='timeline-text'>19th-century records describe children carrying a skewered apple decorated with dried fruit and wheat to wish neighbors a happy new year.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Early 20th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Decline of the Tradition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The practice of going door-to-door on Calennig started to decline due to the modernization and changes in social habits.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Revival Attempts</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the late 20th century, cultural institutions in Wales began attempts to revive the Calennig tradition as part of a broader interest in Celtic heritage.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Calennig Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Now, Calennig is often celebrated with public festivities in Welsh cities, including parades, concerts, and the marking of the old tradition.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make homemade Calennig gifts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make your own Calennig gifts to give to friends and family. This could include traditional Welsh sweets, homemade cards, or even small trinkets that represent the spirit of Calennig.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Calennig festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local events calendar for any Calennig festivals happening in your area. These festivals often feature traditional Welsh music, dancing, and food, and are a great way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Calennig dinner party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a Calennig dinner party. Serve traditional Welsh dishes such as cawl (soup), Welsh cakes, and bara brith (fruit bread) and spend the evening celebrating together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate your home with Calennig symbols</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get into the festive spirit by decorating your home with traditional Calennig symbols such as holly, mistletoe, and straw dolls. You could also hang up Welsh flags or other decorations that represent the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about the history of Calennig</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to research and learn about the origins and traditions of Calennig. This will not only deepen your understanding and appreciation for the holiday, but also give you ideas for how to celebrate in a more traditional way.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a unique and ancient tradition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Calennig (or the Welsh New Year) is celebrated every year on January 1st, making it one of the oldest new year celebrations in Europe. It's a time-honored tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation and is still embraced by many in Wales today.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It symbolizes good luck and prosperity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The tradition of giving gifts of food, coins, or sweets (known as calennigs) on New Year's Day is said to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. It's a sweet and heartfelt gesture that can help strengthen bonds with loved ones.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes community and generosity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During Calennig, it's common for people to visit friends and family, exchanging gifts and well-wishes for the new year. This fosters a strong sense of community and generosity, encouraging people to spread kindness and goodwill towards others.</p></div></div>
Calennig is celebrated on January 13 every year. In 2024 Calennig will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Jan 13
Friday
2024
Jan 13
Saturday
2025
Jan 13
Monday
2026
Jan 13
Tuesday
2027
Jan 13
Wednesday
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