Meli Goes to Wales

CROESO!! (Welcome)      Recently I went on a "virtual trip" to Wales. I was the guest of Jan and Maurey Hedgecock at "Trevalyn". That's short for "The Trevors of Allyn". While I was there, I got a chance to wear the traditional Welsh costumes. Click on the picture of the house to learn more about it.     The word for "Wales" in Welsh is "Cymru". It is pronounced "CUM ree", with the accent on the first syllable.The Welsh National costume evolved in Wales in the late 18th century as a development of costume worn in the town and country. The popular image of Welsh "national" dress, of a woman in a red cloak and tall black hat, is one which has developed as a result of various influences which arose in the nineteenth century.      Lady Llanover, the wife of an ironmaster in Gwent, was very influential in developing the Welsh "national dress" because people felt that their national identity was under threat and the wearing of a national costume was one way to declare that identity.      The garments are made of Welsh flannel. The costume regarded as national dress is based on clothing worn by Welsh countrywomen during the early nineteenth century. The tall "chimney" hat did not appear until the late 1840's and seems to be based on an amalgamation of men's top hats and a form of high hat worn during the 1790 - 1820 period in country areas. The following are the essentials:      The tall hat is made out of hard board with thin beaver fabric glued on to it. The white cap, worn under the hat, made of cotton or muslin with long frilled lappets extending down the shoulders. The rest of the costume: bedgown, white blouse, petticoat, small red flannel shawl, cloak, full skirt made of wool with a black and white check pattern, white starched apron , black woolen stockings and black shoes; a basket, made from willow withies would often be carried.      The other girls in Maurice's neighborhood let me join their dance troupe! After you read the description below, if you have any questions about Welsh costumes and dance, Email me here, and I'll ask Maurice!!

What is the dance? Wales is really a land of song rather than dance so most music is choral. Welsh dancing is mainly done to standard Celtic reels so it is very closely associated with Irish and Scottish dancing - more so Irish. Only "Cyfrir Geifr" (Counting the Goats) and "Sospan Fach" (The Little Saucepan) spring to mind as songs one could get up and dance to. So, any reel would be a good accompanying tune. So, an example of a dance would be: Music: Medley of 3 brisk 32-bar reels, such as Y Delyn Newydd (The New Harp), Breuddwyd y Frenhines (The Queen's Dream) and Difyrrwch Gwyr Llanfabon (Delight of the Men of Llanfabon). But any traditional Celtic reel would fit. Formation: Circle dance of two ladies with each gentleman - for as many as will. A - In threes, walk forward 8 steps, then back 8 steps. [8 bars] Walk forward 12 steps, then stamp on the spot for 4 steps. [8 bars] B - Gentleman raises both hands and twirls both ladies on the spot [4 bars], then makes an arch with outside lady. Inside lady passes under arch followed by gentleman.[4 bars] Repeat arch and movement with inside lady [ 4 bars ], then all 3 walk forward 4 steps. Gentleman leaves both ladies and walks forward 4 steps to join next pair of ladies.[4 bars] Last movement should be accompanied by some "hwyl" [high spirits pronounced 'who-eel' -- 'w' is sounded 'oo' in Welsh] - greeting both new ladies with a "hello", a "good evening", or even a kiss on the cheek!

See the Hedgecocks' house.