Calennig

Quick facts
When is it?	Every January 13th
It's also known as:	Welsh New Year
Tagged as:	Countries & Cultures Food & Drink Life & Living People & Relationships
What are the hashtags?	#HenGalan #WelshTraditions #NewYearWales #CalennigApple #Calennig #WelshNewYear
We first published this page on:	Aug 14th, 2024
We last updated this page:	Dec 26th, 2025

Contents

Calennig is a vibrant celebration that brings joy and togetherness to communities in Wales. On this special day, people come together to exchange gifts, offer blessings, and spread goodwill.

Children traditionally play a big part, carrying decorated apples adorned with sprigs of greenery from house to house, wishing neighbors a prosperous year ahead.

This cheerful tradition fosters a sense of community and ensures that the New Year starts with kindness and generosity.

Reasons for Celebrating the Day

The primary reason for celebrating this day is to welcome the New Year with positivity and blessings. By giving small gifts and sharing well-wishes, participants hope to secure good fortune for themselves and others in the coming year.

The celebration emphasizes the importance of community, reinforcing bonds between neighbors and loved ones. This tradition also allows people to maintain a connection with their cultural heritage, passing down customs that have been cherished for generations.

History of Calennig

Calennig has deep roots in Welsh history, tracing back to ancient customs. The word “Calennig” itself means “New Year gift” in Welsh, reflecting the practice’s central focus. It began as a way to mark the start of the New Year with goodwill and blessings.

The tradition likely started in the rural areas of Wales, where people would give small gifts or food to wish each other prosperity for the coming year. The custom shares similarities with ancient Roman practices, but it evolved into something uniquely Welsh over time.

Calennig also includes elements like songs and verses, often sung by the children as they made their rounds. These verses wished good fortune upon the households they visited.

While the specific origins are hard to pin down, the practice has been documented in Welsh literature and passed down through generations, maintaining its charm and importance in Welsh culture.

Calennig Timeline

1780s

Documentation and Cultural Revival

During the late 18th century, changes in calendar systems highlighted and solidified local traditions in Wales, preserving Calennig through documentation and regional celebration.

These practices were recorded by folklorists and have undergone a revival in recent years, particularly in Cwm Gwaun.

1752

Calendar Reform and Date Shift

The British calendar reform of 1752 shifted the official calendar from Julian to Gregorian, prompting communities like Cwm Gwaun to continue celebrating Calennig according to the Julian calendar.

This preserved the tradition’s mid-January timing.

2023

Cwm Gwaun’s Continued Celebration

In 2023, the village of Cwm Gwaun in Wales continued to celebrate Calennig on January 13th, reflecting the enduring appeal and local importance of holding to Julian calendar traditions despite nationwide shifts to the Gregorian calendar.

1950s

Post-War Welsh Folklore Interest

Following World War II, there was a renewed interest in Welsh folklore, including the Calennig tradition, leading to its documentation and the reinvigoration of New Year customs in rural communities.

19th Century

Descriptive Accounts from Writers

Writers like Fred Hando documented Calennig practices in the 19th century, providing detailed accounts that helped preserve the tradition within Welsh cultural heritage and academic circles.

How to Celebrate Calennig

Decorate Apples

First, grab some apples and turn them into mini works of art! Use toothpicks to attach raisins, nuts, or even candy. Add sprigs of greenery like holly or mistletoe.

These little creations not only look festive but also make delightful gifts for friends or neighbors.

Sing Calennig Songs

Gather a group, and don’t forget to warm up those vocal cords! Singing traditional Calennig songs while visiting friends adds a melodic touch to the festivities.

These songs often include well-wishes for the New Year, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.

Think of it as a mini New Year’s version of trick-or-treating. Prepare small gifts or treats and share them with those who stop by your home.

This could be anything from homemade cookies to small trinkets, spreading joy one gift at a time.

Host a New Year’s Breakfast

Who says you can’t have breakfast for dinner? Start the New Year with a hearty meal. Invite friends and family over for a cozy breakfast feast featuring Welsh cakes, fruit, and plenty of hot tea.

Create a Community Event

Get everyone involved by organizing a Calennig walk around your neighborhood. Children can showcase their decorated apples while adults enjoy the festive atmosphere.

This event brings people together and keeps the tradition alive in a fun and interactive way.

Facts About Calennig

Etymology of the Word Calennig

Calennig originates from the Welsh word for “New Year gift,” which is derived from the Latin term “kalends.” This reflects the ancient custom of marking the first day of every month, with particular significance for New Year’s Day in the context of Calennig celebrations.

Traditional Calennig Practices

One of the central activities of Calennig involves children carrying decorated apples or oranges from house to house.

These fruits are typically adorned with greenery, nuts, and raisins and are skewered on sticks, representing the children’s wish for prosperity upon the homes they visit. This tradition is still observed in parts of Wales, particularly in rural areas.

Calennig and Roman Influences

The practice of gift-giving during the Calennig celebrations is believed to have similarities with ancient Roman customs at the “kalends.”

While Rome celebrated the first day of each month, the Welsh adapted this to focus on New Year’s Day, fostering a unique cultural tradition.

Variation in Calennig Celebrations

Calennig celebrations demonstrate regional variations across Wales. In some areas, boys would use evergreen sprigs to splash water on people, while in others, singing traditional songs to receive gifts was customary.

These variations highlight the cultural richness and diversity within the Calennig traditions.

FAQs About Calennig

Calennig FAQs

What is the history behind Calennig?

The origins of Calennig stretch back to ancient times, with the term stemming from the Latin ‘kalends’, which means the first day of the month.

This deeply rooted Welsh tradition features prominently in Welsh literature, showcasing a long history of New Year’s gift-giving practices.

Why is January 13 important for Calennig in some areas?

In regions like Cwm Gwaun, Calennig is celebrated on January 13. These areas adhere to the Julian calendar, providing a unique insight into how historical traditions connect to calendar systems from earlier times.

What is the cultural significance of Calennig?

Calennig embodies the cultural essence of community and goodwill by promoting the exchange of well-wishes and small gifts to commence the New Year positively.

This tradition underscores the value of social bonds and helps preserve Welsh cultural heritage.