Lexicon & Etymology

The Tailless, Black Sow -  Hwch Ddu Gwta

The Tailless, Black Sow - Hwch Ddu Gwta

One terrifying custom connected with Calan Gaeaf (the first day of winter) is that of the Hwch Ddu Gwta, a tailless, black sow. A reminder of the darker and more sinister,...

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The Tailless, Black Sow - Hwch Ddu Gwta

One terrifying custom connected with Calan Gaeaf (the first day of winter) is that of the Hwch Ddu Gwta, a tailless, black sow. A reminder of the darker and more sinister,...

1 comment
Dog of Darkness - Gwyllgi

Dog of Darkness - Gwyllgi

Gwyllgi (pronounced gwill-gee) is the Welsh word for a spectral black dog, a supernatural being that roams the darkness, and is part of Welsh folklore. This spectral hound, also known...

Dog of Darkness - Gwyllgi

Gwyllgi (pronounced gwill-gee) is the Welsh word for a spectral black dog, a supernatural being that roams the darkness, and is part of Welsh folklore. This spectral hound, also known...

Scarecrow - Bwgan Brain

Scarecrow - Bwgan Brain

Bwgan brain (pronounced boo-gan brine) is a Welsh word that has several possible etymological meanings, and is layered with associations from the folklore, culture and language of Wales. It literally...

Scarecrow - Bwgan Brain

Bwgan brain (pronounced boo-gan brine) is a Welsh word that has several possible etymological meanings, and is layered with associations from the folklore, culture and language of Wales. It literally...

Witch - Gwrach

Witch - Gwrach

The word gwrach (pronounce "gwrach" as "goo-rach", with a guttural "ch" like in Scottish "loch") in Welsh means ‘witch’ or ‘hag’. In fact, the concept of the ‘witch’ or ‘hag’ is central...

Witch - Gwrach

The word gwrach (pronounce "gwrach" as "goo-rach", with a guttural "ch" like in Scottish "loch") in Welsh means ‘witch’ or ‘hag’. In fact, the concept of the ‘witch’ or ‘hag’ is central...

Halloween - Calan Gaeaf

Halloween - Calan Gaeaf

Brythonic people are known for their traditional feasts and festivals that mark the passing of seasons, one of which is Calan Gaeaf (kah-lan gay-av). This literally means ‘the first day of winter’....

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Halloween - Calan Gaeaf

Brythonic people are known for their traditional feasts and festivals that mark the passing of seasons, one of which is Calan Gaeaf (kah-lan gay-av). This literally means ‘the first day of winter’....

1 comment
Ghost - Ysbryd

Ghost - Ysbryd

The word ysbryd (pronounced uhs-brid) in Welsh has two dimensions of meaning, both of which are still used in the language today: either the ‘spirit’ as in a metaphysical concept,...

Ghost - Ysbryd

The word ysbryd (pronounced uhs-brid) in Welsh has two dimensions of meaning, both of which are still used in the language today: either the ‘spirit’ as in a metaphysical concept,...