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Calan Gaeaf is the name of the first day of winter in Wales, observed on 1 November.[1] The night before is Nos Galan Gaeaf[1] or Noson Galan Gaeaf, an Ysbrydnos ("spirit night"[2]) when spirits are abroad. Traditionally, people avoid churchyards, stiles, and crossroads, since spirits are thought to gather there. The term is first recorded in literature as "Kalan Gayaf" in the laws of Hywel Dda.[3]
The same term, Kalan Gwav, is found in the Cornish language, and Kalan Goañv in Breton.[4]
- ^ a b Davies 2008, p. 107.
- ^ Jones 1930, p. 161.
- ^ Cambrian Register, p. 330.
- ^ Rees, Mark (2019). The A-Z of Curious Wales: Strange Stories of Mysteries, Crimes and Eccentrics. History Press. ISBN 978-0-7509-9181-0.