January 13

Calennig

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!

Yearly Date

January 13

Observed in

United Kingdom

Introduction

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!

Calennig Timeline

14th Century

First Calennig References

Earliest mentions of the Calennig tradition are found in medieval Welsh poetry, although the practice is likely older.

19th Century

Calennig Apple Tradition

19th-century records describe children carrying a skewered apple decorated with dried fruit and wheat to wish neighbors a happy new year.

Early 20th Century

Decline of the Tradition

The practice of going door-to-door on Calennig started to decline due to the modernization and changes in social habits.

1970s

Revival Attempts

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.

Present Day

Modern Calennig Celebrations

Now, Calennig is often celebrated with public festivities in Welsh cities, including parades, concerts, and the marking of the old tradition.

How to Celebrate Calennig

1 Make homemade Calennig gifts

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.

2 Attend a Calennig festival

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.

3 Host a Calennig dinner party

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.

4 Decorate your home with Calennig symbols

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.

5 Learn about the history of Calennig

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.

Why We Love Calennig

It's a unique and ancient tradition

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.

It symbolizes good luck and prosperity

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.

It promotes community and generosity

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.