TAFFY AND OTHER MEMORIES FROM CHRISTMAS IN WALES
Posted by Ray Cousins on
At this special time of the year I thought it might be nice to share some of my Welsh memories/traditions with you. One of my favorites was Taffy making and the plygain service.
Taffy - This sweet-toothed Welsh Christmas tradition takes place on Christmas eve and was a way to keep busy until the 3 am plygain service began.
Families gather together in one home or another, and begin making tasty Christmas day treats for everyone. The tradition began when sweets (candy as we know it here) were a luxury few could afford and the joy of Christmas eve taffy making was born.
These sweet treats at Christmas were made from what was expensive sugar and the rich salted butter Wales was famous for. Combined together they provided a little luxury that every family could afford.
Once done with our sweet making we fell into bed exhausted but not until putting our empty pillowcases at the bottom of the bed, ready for Father Christmas to visit and fill during the night!
Such simple festive times and happy memories. We would love you to share some of yours!
Look forward to hearing your stories,
Ray