Mari Lwyd

by Carisa Swenson

“Here we come
Dear friends
To ask permissions to sing

If we don’t have permission,
Let us know in song
How we should go away tonight

I have no dinner
Or money to spend
To give you welcome tonight”

-Mari Lwyd carol

During the Christmas season in Wales, the Mari Lwyd is accompanied by two other characters (often a jester and lady) and goes door to door asking permission through song to enter the house. Those within the house reply with song (in the form of rhymes) and this goes on until one side relents. If the Mari Lwyd gains entry, she and her handlers are given food and drink, and it is said that the household will have good luck for the year.

Won’t you invite Mari Lwyd in?

Size: 12″h (tip of ear) x 4″ w

Medium: Wire, paperclay, epoxy clay, textiles, wood, acrylic paint, snow flocking.

Shipping within USA only.

$485 $485

In stock

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Carisa Swenson

Carisa is a sculptor and textile artist specializing in art dolls. With a background in illustration and a passion for mythology and folklore, she melds these interests together by spending her evenings sculpting and stitching life into various mythical creatures and beasts.

Carisa’s work has been shown in numerous galleries across the United States such as Modern Eden and Gallery 1988, as well as international galleries.

Other ways to support my work:
Enamel pins: https://wormwoodandrue.com