Calennig 2024: Welsh people celebrate Calennig, which marks the start of the New Year, on January 13 of each year. It may surprise you to learn that the Welsh word “Calennig” comes from the Latin word “kalends,” which means “the first day of the month.” A Welsh community called Cwm Gwaun celebrates New Year’s 13 days later than other countries because they continue to use the Julian calendar, even though many other countries have switched to the Gregorian calendar. Still, the party was—and continues to be—spectacular! Wales celebrates Calennig, a time when individuals share gifts, candies, or even cash with loved ones to start the new year off right. Let’s discover more about the long-standing custom of Calennig.
History of Calennig
December and January are the most popular months of the year everywhere since it’s the holiday season! Wales is not an exception to the global tradition of observing Christmas and New Year’s festivities. Celebrated on the first day of the new year by the Julian calendar, Calennig is the Welsh version of New Year’s Day.
The residents of Cwm Gwaun celebrate this day in the same manner as their predecessors did in the seventeenth century thanks to the preservation of long-standing customs. Even now, little boys go from house to house in the community and squirt the residents with water that they have gathered from the nearby well. This action is regarded as a lucky charm. The Calennig is supposed to receive a little present from the townspeople in exchange, typically in the shape of copper pennies.
Regretfully, there are many folktales around Calennig, and its history and origin are not well recognized. However, historians think that the old practice of exchanging gifts and money on New Year’s Day must have given rise to the modern holiday. We do know that this custom is being carried on and that January 13 is the annual celebration day in Cwm Gwaun in Pembrokeshire.
But in many parts of Wales, the rituals have changed over time in diverse ways. In several regions, the festivities entail reciting a brief verse or two in return for tiny currency. While the custom of splattering water is still prevalent in other places.
Calennig Activities
Take the lead in giving.
The best thing you can do on Calennig is show someone you appreciate them by giving them copper coins or anything else you would like to give as a present.
Proceed traditionally!
Do you want to take part in the original festivities? Get your guys and the greenest twig you can find—it’s an experience of a lifetime! Respect the custom of splattering water on your loved ones.
Tell us your best Calennig tale.
One of the most thrilling and touching festivals around is Calennig. Therefore, post any intriguing childhood anecdotes you may have on social media!
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5 Facts About New Year’s Traditions
It is the year 4,000 AD.
It was 4,000 years ago when the first New Year’s Day celebration took place.
Good life, green food!
According to tradition, a person will have greater prosperity that year if they eat more greens on New Year’s Day.
Caesar invented the New Year’s celebrations.
Rome’s Julius Caesar was the first to proclaim January 1st as a national holiday.
January is a god.
Caesar dubbed January after the Roman deity Janus.
Vooravond, Sint Sylvester
Belgium refers to New Year’s Eve as “Sint Sylvester Vooravond,” when kids write heartfelt letters to their parents.
Why We Adore Calennig
It is important to keep in mind the tradition of Calennig
Every nation celebrates the New Year differently, and Wales has a special and fascinating custom known as calennig. It is our responsibility to preserve these kinds of honorable customs.
We learn the joy of giving from it.
Calennig instills in us the joy of generosity. It would be required of the person sprayed with well water to give the kids something. We can give anything on Calennig to anyone for whom we are grateful, not simply kids.
It is all about having fun.
Calennig, or New Year’s Day, is a day for joy and celebration. It’s rare indeed, yet on this day, people put aside their differences and celebrate together.
CALENNIG DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | January 13 | Saturday |
2025 | January 13 | Monday |
2026 | January 13 | Tuesday |
2027 | January 13 | Wednesday |
2028 | January 13 | Thursday |