Welcome to Uncommon Folk!An exploration of folk traditions, myths, stories and culture, from stand-up comedians, writers and folklore enthusiasts Dan Mitchell and Col Howarth. A what? A horse's skull? On a stick? At the front door?In this debut episode Dan and Col explore the Welsh mid-winter wassailing tradition of the Mari Lwyd: what it is, its origins and what it means to people today, from a personal as well as a cultural perspective. Dan and Col explore reasons for the Mari Lwyd's incredible revival not only across Wales, but internationally. In this episode they join a Mari Lwyd event in Llantrisant and sing songs for mince pies and tea; they bang pots and pans at an annual wassail, and meet people who observe, preserve and revive the tradition today.Featuring guest-speakers and contributors:Dr David R Howell: Researcher, Intangible Cultural Heritage, currently working for the National Museum of Wales. Click here for his latest research paper.Pat Smith: From the Llantrisant Mari Lwyd and legendary folk group Calennig. Pat runs the Llantrisant Folk Club. Lots of information about all of this can be found here.http://www.folkwales.org.uk/mari.htmlKelda: artist, skullsandnsheets, and the designer of our amazing logo! https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/skullsandsheetsBeverley Rogers: Director, Gower Unearthed, Researcher and Tour Guide.https://www.bevrogers.co.uk/Lori McAlister: Nebraska, instrumental in the founding and directorship of:Great Plains Welsh Heritage Project - https://welshheritageproject.org/St David's Welsh Society of Nebraska (Nebraska Welsh)https://www.facebook.com/SaintDavidsWelshSocietyofNebraska/The Saint David's Welsh Society of Greater Kansas City (KC Welsh)https://www.facebook.com/TheWyattsInKC/PJ: has played the part of the Llantrisant Mari Lwyd for over thirty years.Mark Richardson: a Gower local.With written contributions from:AC Fisher-Aldag: Michigan, author of 'Common Magick'Antone Linata Minard: Vancouver, Academic - Welsh Language and FolkloreWith special thanks to:Johnny NigmaMick TemsFurther Links and Resources:Trac Cymru: An important source of development, education and preservation of tradition in Wales. Trac offers resources to schools, including a Mari Lwyd flat-pack kit, a Mari Lwyd book and lots of other resources:https://trac.cymru/en/Thanks for listening!Visit www.uncommonfolk.co.uk and subscribe for updates, events and news as it comes. You can also write to us using the form to suggest local myths, traditions and stories for us to discuss in future micro episodes, or just provide us with feedback.