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 means ‘crow ghost’ or ‘crow bogey’, but it is more than that – like other supernatural beings in Welsh mythology, it has connotations of fear, mystery and the unknown. Its plural is Bwganod Brain.

 

The Scarecrow: A Symbol of Fear and Protection

When used in its most basic sense, bwgan brain denotes a scarecrow, a human-like figure in the fields, a device placed to prevent birds, particularly crows, from eating the grain. Welsh bwgan, also known as bwci (hobgoblin), from Middle Welsh, perhaps derived from Middle English buggė. A scarecrow is both a protector and a harbinger of dread; a thing arranged to inspire terror in animals. We recognise the familiar duality of protection and fear as a recurring theme in Welsh folklore and popular culture. As an image of the quintessential Welsh rural scene, the bwgan brain fits perfectly.

 

 

Mutations

Soft Mutation: Ei fwgan brain (his scarecrow)

Nasal Mutation: Fy mwgan brain (my scarecrow)

Aspirate Mutation: Remains unchanged as ‘b’ is not affected by this mutation

 

Folklore and the Supernatural Meaning of Bwgan

At its widest usage, bwgan means a bogey, a spirit, a spectre, a phantom, and is also used of ghosts, hobgoblins and even mischievous spirits. It is used in Welsh folklore to refer to a supernatural creature or a boogeyman, and so the bwgan brain has quite a menacing quality, combining the utilitarian purpose of the scarecrow with the otherworldly nature of a haunting or a malevolent spirit.

 

These figures have historical roots as supernaturally charged representations, and bwganod brain (plural) was a way for the farmers to represent their anxieties about the vagaries of nature. Like the manikins that deter crop-eating birds, the bwgan brain also represented the fine line between human and the unknown. In some areas, the bwgan brain was said to have powers of its own, possibly even coming to life after dark and transforming into a real ghost, representing the fears of the farmers who worked the land.

 

Bwgan Brain in Welsh Mythology

Despite being less prominent than ysbrydion (spirits / ghosts) in Welsh mythology, bwganod can be found in many Welsh folk tales. Frequently, bwganod feature as terrifying entities meant to keep children in line or scare away unwanted intruders and can be taken as personifications of fear and warning.

 

No particularly Welsh bwgan brain is named in Welsh myth, but elements of the imagery appear in legends where scarecrow-like figures are watchers over the crops, or fields where spirits are imagined to haunt. Scarecrows might have been guardians against birds, but also against malevolent spirits: combining rural practical and supernatural fears.

 

Modern Scarecrow Traditions

Welsh scarecrow festivals are village and town celebrations in which residents make and display scarecrows in and around the town. They often coincide with the harvest season and are focused on the agricultural past of Wales. Scarecrows of any type are created, from the traditional to the elaborate, comic, theme related or topical, sometimes reflecting local culture or the events of the day. Visitors tour the displays during the festivals, creating a sense of community spirit and friendly rivalry within the village. Some festivals include children’s activities, food stalls and prizes for the most creative scarecrows. Here are some bwganod brain from the Bettws and Tregynon Scarecrow Festival:

 

 

Bwganod make regular appearances in the lyrics of songs that evoke Welsh identity, the landscape and the supernatural. One famous Welsh nursery rhyme in particular sparks nostalgia amongst several Welsh generations.

 

Bwgan brain

Dwy fraich ar led
Cetyn yn ei geg
Trwyn hir a main
Dyma'r bwgan brain

Het ddu tad-cu
Siaced goch mam-gu
Trwyn hir a maen
Dyma'r bwgan brain

 

The scarecrow

Two arms spread wide
Pipe in his mouth
Long and pointy nose
This is the scarecrow

Grandad's black hat
Grandma's red coat
Long and pointy nose
This is the scarecrow

 

Test Your Knowledge: Bwgan Brain Quiz 🌾

Thanks for reading! How well did you pay attention? Answer these questions about the Welsh scarecrow tradition and its connections to folklore in the comments below. Share your thoughts or any experiences with these legends!

1. What does "Bwgan Brain" literally translate to?

• A) Ghost of the field
• B) Crow ghost
• C) Shadowy figure
• D) Harvest spirit

2. What is the practical use of a Bwgan Brain?

• A) To protect livestock
• B) To scare children
• C) To scare away birds from crops
• D) To bring good luck during harvest

3. How are Bwganod Brain associated with Welsh folklore?

• A) They represent protection and fear
• B) They symbolize the change of seasons
• C) They are worshipped in Welsh rituals
• D) They are used in healing ceremonies

4. What type of festivals are associated with modern scarecrow traditions in Wales?

• A) Harvest festivals
• B) Halloween festivals
• C) Solstice celebrations
• D) Easter parades

5. In some tales, what was believed about the Bwgan Brain after dark?

• A) It came to life as a ghost
• B) It would transform into a wolf
• C) It would bring bad weather
• D) It vanished at midnight

Enjoy testing your knowledge of the eerie and practical role of the Welsh scarecrow!

 

 

Explore more Welsh legends right here!