Thursday Nov 05, 2020

EP23 Guy Fawkes Night: The folklore, traditions, history and ghosts of Bonfire Night, and how Noson Guto Ffowc was celebrated in Wales following the Halloween/ Nos Calan Gaeaf parties

Guy Fawkes Night: The folklore, ghosts, history and traditions

Remember, remember, the fifth of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot!

On this episode, Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) is joined by storyteller Owen Staton to discuss Guy Fawkes Night in Wales.

Because while Halloween might be a few days behind us, there's still time for another autumn festival with bonfires and fireworks.

Together they explore:

How is Noson Guto Ffowc, as Bonfire Night is known is Wales, celebrated?
Why do people burn effigies, and who else was burned besides Guy Fawkes?
Should it really be called Guy Fawkes Night, or is there a more suitable name?
Do the ghosts of the plotters still walk their old haunts today?

All of these questions and more will be explored in this Guy Fawkes special episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast.

Halloween in Wales: 5 special episodes

October was the Halloween takeover month on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast, and all five specials are now available for your listen pleasure.

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:

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