Calennig

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Cultural Festivities Historical
Where:: U.K.
Date change rule:: Every January 13
Holiday emoji:: 🎁

Calennig lights up the Welsh calendar every January 13, marking the New Year according to the Julian calendar. This vibrant tradition involves exchanging gifts, sweets, or money among family and friends. Embrace the spirit of renewal, discover its unique history, and share some Welsh cheer with loved ones.

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Expected Calennig Deals

While Calennig is more about traditional gift-giving than commercial sales, local Welsh businesses often highlight unique offerings. Look for special promotions on Welsh crafts at independent shops like Bodlon or traditional food items from producers such as Halen Môn. Online retailers like Welsh Gifts may feature themed bundles. Larger UK retailers like Marks & Spencer or John Lewis might include Welsh-themed items in their post-holiday sales. The focus remains on community and personal exchanges rather than widespread commercial deals. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 13 approaches.

Platform Guide for Calennig

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #Calennig. Share photos of your Welsh New Year gifts, traditional foods, or festive decorations.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #Calennig. Film short videos showcasing Welsh traditions, gift exchanges, or New Year greetings.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Calennig. Share stories about your family’s Calennig traditions and photos of your celebrations.

Calennig Hero

The People of Cwm Gwaun

While no single individual founded Calennig, the tradition is most famously preserved by the community of Cwm Gwaun in Pembrokeshire, Wales. This small village continues to observe New Year's Day on January 13, following the Julian calendar. Their steadfast dedication to this ancient custom ensures that the unique cultural heritage of Calennig endures, passed down through generations of families.

History of Calennig

Throughout the world, the months of December and January are favorite months of the year because it is the holiday season! Christmas and New Year celebrations happen in every corner of the world in full swing and Wales is no exception. Calennig is the Welsh equivalent of New Year’s Day and is celebrated on the first day of the new year according to the Julian calendar.

The people of Cwm Gwaun have preserved old traditions and celebrate this day according to how their ancestors did in the 17th century. Till today, young boys visit each house in the village to splash the villagers with water that they retrieved from the local well. This activity is seen as a symbol of good fortune. In return, the villagers are expected to give the Calennig — a small gift, usually in the form of copper coins.

Unfortunately, the history and origin of Calennig are not well known and several folklores are surrounding it. But historians believe that Calennig must have evolved from the ancient custom of giving gifts and money on New Year’s Day. One thing we do know is that Cwm Gwaun, Pembrokeshire, is keeping this tradition alive and celebrating it on January 13 each year.

However, over the years the customs have evolved differently in many areas of Wales. In some areas, the celebration takes place in the form of the chanting of a small verse or two in exchange for small coins. While in other areas, the tradition of water splashing is still at large.

Calennig timeline

1055

The History Of Wales Begins

Wales is founded as a Kingdom.

1752

The New Calendar

Most parts of Wales switch from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian calendar system.

1944

“The Pleasant Land of Gwent”

Fred Hando illustrates the Calennig festival in his book called “The Pleasant land of Gwent.”

2000s

Calennig Gains Popularity

People across Wales begin to revive this old festival once again.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Calennig

Local Welsh businesses can embrace Calennig by offering special ‘Calennig’ themed products, such as gift baskets filled with local delicacies or handcrafted items. Restaurants and pubs can feature traditional Welsh dishes and drinks, perhaps hosting a special New Year’s meal on January 13. Retailers might highlight items perfect for gift-giving, encouraging patrons to participate in the exchange of sweets and tokens of good luck. Promoting the cultural significance of the day can also draw in customers interested in authentic Welsh traditions.

Calennig FAQs

When is Calennig?

In 2027, Calennig is observed on Wednesday, January 13, continuing the ancient Welsh tradition of welcoming the New Year with festive exchanges. It marks a unique cultural observance.

What is the origin of Calennig?

The tradition of Calennig stems from the historical use of the Julian calendar, particularly in certain Welsh communities like Cwm Gwaun, which still observes New Year’s Day on January 13. It represents a cultural continuity that predates the widespread adoption of the Gregorian calendar.

How is Calennig celebrated?

The celebration of Calennig involves a charming custom where children go door-to-door, offering blessings and songs, in return for small tokens. Families also gather to exchange presents and share traditional Welsh treats, fostering a sense of togetherness and good fortune for the year ahead.

Is Calennig a widely observed holiday?

Calennig is a cherished cultural observance within Wales, particularly in areas that maintain older traditions. It is not a federal holiday, but its unique timing and customs make it a significant part of Welsh heritage, celebrated by those who value its historical roots.

Calennig Activities

Be the one to gift
Well, the greatest pleasure you can gain on Calennig is by gifting copper coins or anything you’d like to give as a gift to someone you’re thankful for.
Do it the old way!
Want to enjoy the celebration in its original form? Get the greenest twig you can find and gather your boys, it's the fun of a lifetime! Observe the tradition of splashing water with your friends and family.
Share your favorite Calennig story
Calennig is one of the exciting and heart-warming festivals out there. So, if you have some interesting stories that happened in your childhood, share them on your social media!

5 Amazing Facts About New Year Traditions That’ll Take You Into Celebration Mode

New Year is 4,000 years old
The first New Year’s Day celebration dates back to 4,000 years ago.
Green food, good life!
Tradition says that the more greens a person eats on New Year’s Day, the more prosperity the person will experience that year.
Caesar invented the New Year celebrations
Julius Caesar, the emperor of Rome, was the first to declare January 1 as a national holiday.
January — a god
Caesar named the month of January after the Roman god Janus
Sint Sylvester Vooravond
People in Belgium call ‘New Year’s Eve’ ‘Sint Sylvester Vooravond’ where children write letters to parents with good wishes and lots of love.

Why We Love Calennig

Calennig is a tradition that has to be remembered
Each country has its own way of celebrating the New Year and Calennig is a unique and interesting tradition that is observed in Wales. It is our duty to protect these kinds of good traditions.
It teaches us the joy of giving
Calennig teaches us the joy of giving. The person who gets splashed with the well water would have to offer the children some gifts. This is not just restricted to children; we can gift anyone we’re thankful for on Calennig.
It’s all about celebration
Calennig, or New Year’s Day, is all about celebration and happiness. This is one of the very few days when people forget all their differences and rejoice with others.