The Customs and Traditions of Wales : With an Introduction by Emma Lile

Trefor M. Owen's seminal work educates, enlightens and entertains with a far-reaching yet accessible text, which paints a colourful and comprehensive portrait of a nation's rich folk culture. The Customs and Traditions of Wales is an illuminating and engrossing insight into a subject that continues to unfold and develop in contemporary life. Despite an increasingly globalised society that has transformed local communities, folk customs are still practised and enjoyed the world over as people combine modern-day and historical rituals and embrace opportunities to learn about their past, and Owen's influential study has maintained its relevance as customs change and evolve. This concise and informative guide looks back at the customs and traditions of a predominantly rural Wales during the nineteenth century. Each chapter is complemented by several eye-witness accounts that create vivid descriptions of a forgotten way of life, such as the revelries of the corn harvest, winter nights by the fireside, and the traditional cwrw bach or fundraiser. Customs are arranged into four main those centred on the hearth and home, agriculture, community life, and the parish church. The Customs and Traditions of Wales explores each customs origins and examines the transformation of Welsh traditions during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in response to industrialization. A substantial new introduction places this classic work in its context, charting the progress of the field since the original publication and celebrating Trefor M. Owens life and work.

This concise and informative guide looks back to the customs and traditions of a predominantly rural Wales during the nineteenth century — the revelries of the corn harvest; winter nights by the fireside, knitting, telling stories and making rush candles; overcoming poverty and hardship by raising funds at a cwrw bach...

 

Each chapter is complemented by several eye-witness accounts — vivid descriptions of a forgotten way of life.  Customs are arranged into four main groups: those centered on the hearth and home, agriculture, community life and the parish church.

 

In this book, Trefor M. Owen explores the origins of Welsh customs and traditions and examines the changes they underwent during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in response to industrialization and the growth of Nonconformity.

An illuminating and engrossing insight into a subject that continues to unfold and develop in contemporary life. Despite an increasingly globalized society that has transformed local communities, folk customs are still practiced and enjoyed the world over as people combine modern-day and historical rituals and embrace opportunities to learn about their past, and the author's influential study has maintained its relevance as customs change and evolve Trefor M. Owen's seminal work educates, enlightens and entertains with a far-reaching yet accessible text, which paints a colourful and comprehensive portrait of a nation's rich folk culture. This influential study also considers the development of folk studies and has maintained its relevance as customs change and evolve. A gem of a guide, devoted to a nation's rich folk heritage, The Customs and Traditions of Wales is an authoritative overview of a nation's rich folk culture and a compelling read from start to finish.