EP29 The Magical Christmas Tree... and a few ghosts!: The curious tale of a tree that blossomed in a west Wales garden every Christmas Eve, and some gothic ghost stories to go with it

Welsh folklore tells us that on Christmas Eve, a magical Christmas tree would spring to life in the garden of a west Wales mansion. What was its supernatural purpose, and where did it come from? And more to the point, where is it now? The old tales tell us that the tree was destroyed, but that isn't the whole story. In fact, there could be a lot more to the tale of this tree than just folklore, and it could even still be active to this day, if you know where to look. But beware - in true Christmas tradition, this is also a ghost story, and there are some who believe that spirits roam the very same garden in which the tree once stood... For some of the answers - and even more questions - press play and join Mark Rees for the latest special festive episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast with Mark Rees. Merry Christmas / Nadolig llawen!  Christmas on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast Christmas is a magical time for Welsh folklore and ghost stories, and every Thursday during December there'll be a special episode of the podcast dedicated to a festive subject. There include such folkloric favourites like the Mari Lwyd, to haunted pubs where the spooks make an appearance every December 24. Be sure to check out each episode on December 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 - yes, there'll even be new episodes of Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. 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.