The Mari Lywd is a South Welsh folklore tradition, during the Christmas period the Mari Lywd and his merry men do the rounds of the village
Once the Mari Lywd picks the house they request entry through song. The house owner is expected to reject it's request also through song... hence a battle of song begins! Eventually one give up. If the house owner give up the Mari Lywd enters the house and begins to cause havoc, chasing and scaring children. The merry men will be playing music whilst the Mari Lywd enjoys your beer and food.
Once they are fulfilled they will move onto the next house...
Original lino print of Mari Lywd by Minifi