EP21 Spooky Halloween Folklore and Traditions of Wales: How to celebrate Nos Calan Gaeaf, the Welsh Halloween, with Gothic ghost stories and long-lost lore of death omens and witches

Halloween Folklore and Traditions of Wales: How to celebrate Nos Calan Gaeaf, the Welsh Halloween Join cultural adventurer Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) on this journey in search of the curious, dark, and at times macabre history and folklore of Nos Calan Gaeaf, the Welsh Halloween. One of three spirit nights, it was a time for fun and festivities, but also a time of apprehension, and to beware the supernatural creatures abroad. On this episode we will explore: The Gothic lore involving the wind blowing over the feet of corpses. The significance of seeing well-dressed apparitions appear in the parish church. How to celebrate in the traditional Welsh manner with ghost stories and fairy tales around a giant log fire. The return of the dreaded Hwch Ddu Gwta, the terrifying black sow. How you can predict who will die in the coming 12 months. And how to protect yourself from the witches who takes to the skies on Halloween. All of these questions and more will be explored in this Halloween episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast. Halloween in Wales: 5 special episodes October is the Halloween takeover month on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast, and this is the fourth of five stand-alone specials. For a full list of episodes check out the Halloween Specials podcast page. What is Nos Calan Gaeaf? In Celtic times, each day began at sunset. October 31 - Nos Calan Gaeaf in Welsh, the night before Calan Gaeaf - marked the beginning of winter, and while it was a time for celebration, it was also a time of great foreboding and apprehension. For more about Nos Calan Gaeaf, be sure to subscribe to the Ghosts & Folklore podcast which will be focusing on the festival all through October, and check out the book The A-Z of Curious Wales for lots more weird and wonderful facts. What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast? Join Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) as he explores the weird and wonderful history of Wales. The world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends, GHOSTS & FOLKLORE OF WALES combines Mark’s research and insights from his books and articles with long-lost tales from some ancient tomes into a truly unique podcast experience. New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to the fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion,  Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit: Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees Ghosts of Wales podcast

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Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast: Dive deep into ghost stories, ancient lore, myths, and legends from haunted Wales. Join author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) – ”arguably Wales’ leading authority on the curious and paranormal aspects of the country’s history” – for a journey through the weird and wonderful history of Cymru and beyond. From “most haunted” Welsh castles to fairy-filled forests, each episode explores spine-chilling topics like pesky poltergeists and uncanny apparitions; seasonal traditions such as the Mari Lwyd and Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf); real-life ghostbusters and paranormal investigators who venture into the unknown; and eerie customs like the Sin Eater and corpse candles. Listeners who enjoy uncovering unexplained mysteries, delving into the supernatural like The X-Files, or exploring haunted locations similar will love the tales lurking within. Discover the real-life hauntings behind legends, like the Skirrid Mountain Inn, or eerie events in the remote hills and forests of Wales, where legends like the mystical Ceffyl Dŵr or the dreaded Gwyllgi roam the night. If you’re a fan of horror classics, the ghostly atmospheres of Gothic stories, or the folklore and mythology found in The Mabinogion, this podcast is perfect for you. These gripping accounts will take you from ancient Druid rituals to modern-day Welsh witchcraft. Expect exciting ghost hunts, interviews with paranormal experts, and plenty of spine-tingling stories that will transport you to the haunted corners of Wales, where magic and the supernatural blend with history. Whether you’re fascinated by the macabre traditions of phantom funerals or intrigued by the legends of mythical creatures, the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast offers a captivating exploration of the unknown. Don’t miss an episode – subscribe now and unlock the paranormal secrets of haunted Wales with Mark Rees, where history, myth, and magic still cast a spell over the land.