TRADITION
Hello everyone,
Welcome back to issue 202 of Quench, so much has happened since our last issue!
First off, we have officially launched the Pitch Portal, so you can now send in your own pitch ideas, and we also now have our website up and running. It has been a privilege reading so many of your articles and I look forward to reading more! We have also had some great student collaborations from Cardiff University’s Baking Society and the Sustainable Fashion Society. We have lots more of these planned for the future, so if you would like to collaborate please tell us.
With Christmas now approaching, I am sure we all are getting into the festive spirit! Cardiff is a magical place at this time of year, from the light show at Bute Park, to exploring the Christmas markets, and Winter Wonderland. I highly recommend you try a hot chocolate, with Terry’s Chocolate Orange being my favourite!
When I started planning this issue, I really wanted us to capture the joy and togetherness of this time of year. Spending time with our friends and family seems particularly important during this festive period. I have been reflecting on my own traditions and experiences, both from growing up and from my time here in Cardiff. In this issue, we celebrate the beauty of tradition, while encouraging an open dialogue about its relevance in today’s world. I invite you to share your thoughts on how traditions have shaped and influenced your life to date, particularly at this time of year. It is also about striking a balance between honouring what we have always known and embracing new traditions we create ourselves.
Moving to Cardiff has really opened my eyes to the richness of Welsh traditions and culture. It may be obvious to say, but one thing that has really stood out for me is Rugby!
I cannot tell you how exciting it was for me to go and watch a match seeing so many enthusiastic and supportive fans! For our cover shoot this issue, we had the amazing opportunity to work with Phystory. Rugby plays a big part in Welsh culture, and I have seen how it brings so much vibrancy to the city. Watching Rugby has become a huge part of my university life, and I am sure you have had very similar experiences! I have learnt to love it, and I have seen its value in bringing people together.
This is what I think is so valuable about traditions, with the opportunities to create new ones as well. There is so much scope to think about tradition critically, and I encourage you to. As we come to the end of the year, we need to value how it brings so many communities together. I really hope you enjoy reading this issue, and it allows you to reflect on what you value. You all deserve a restful Winter break, spending time with people you love and are close to. I look forward to seeing you in the New Year and revealing more of the the exciting things that are happening with Quench.
Lots of love,
I would not describe myself as a particularly traditional person. Being mixed race, I have been raised in between both Japanese and British cultures, and whilst I have a deep appreciation for the beauty of both, I have never solely subscribed to either. Instead, I have always been skeptical about how tradition can overdetermine our cultures and lives, often blurring the line between enrichment and constraint.
Take Japanese culture, for instance: it is deeply steeped in ancient tradition, retaining practices that affirm cultural identity and carry a sense of belonging and continuitypractices like bowing, swapping shoes for slippers, and the ritual of onsen. However, there are also a plethora of deeply problematic traditional beliefs and cultural norms that lie entrenched in within society, such as the extremely intense and life-draining work culture, and women being treated as second-class citizens.
Here, tradition is both a comforting tether to familiarity and a lurching shadow over the present. Tradition can reinforce traditional ways of thinking and doing - often reinforcing outdated norms. I think we need to approach tradition critically and chase a deeper understanding of why things exist and how they have shaped the way we live. Subverting traditional beliefs and challenging entrenched norms propel us forward to be resilient and culturally adapt to our ever-evolving world.
My favourite pieces in this issue take a similar approach to tradition. Flicking through, the reader will find a curated assortment of thought-provoking articles that invite us to think criitcally about the traditions we hold.
Tradition is the heartbeat of any community, and here at Cardiff, it thrives in every corner – from the historic campus buildings to the vibrant societies that make our university unique.
Tradition is the thread that binds the past to the present, weaving continuity into the fabric of our lives – it’s the rituals we cherish, the customs we uphold and the values we inherit. Yet, it’s also in how we reinterpret these legacies, shaping them to suit a changing world.
Throughout this issue, we explore the many facets of tradition – its steadfast role as a keeper of identity and its dynamic capacity for growth. We delve into traditions that define us, challenge us and inspire us to think critically about their relevance.
As students, we are at the crossroads of heritage and innovation. While we celebrate the familiar rhythms of our cultures and communities, we are also unafraid to question: which traditions serve us today, and what must evolve to create a better tomorrow?
This edition is a tribute to the resilience of tradition and the creativity of those who carry it forward. We hope it sparks reflection on what tradition means to you – whether it’s a memory you hold dear or a practice you aim to transform – we invite you to reflect on the traditions that define you.
Meet the Team
Olivia Griffin Deputy Editor
Katie Storrie Editor-in-Chief
Julia Bottoms Deputy Editor
Harriet Ulett Head of Design
Eleri Watts Deputy Head of Design
Abi Davies Head of Social Media
Maya Jacob Fashion
Ella Simons Features
Servaise Ratnayake Features
Bhamini Khandige Culture
Charlotte Hardie-Watts Culture
Ella Collis Column
Kira Sutton Film & TV
Rhiannon James Film & TV
Jenny Algieri Music
Jemima Lake Music
Sam Davies Literature Isabel Chance Literature
Angelina Mable Fashion
Jessica Leigh-Fotheringham Travel
Carolina Peret Travel
Poppy Adams Food & Drink
design by: Harriet Ulett
Emily Cartwright Page Designer
Ellen Hollingshurst Food & Drink
Sabine Wilson-Patrick Love
Tamsin Fraser Love
Tegan Davies Copy Editor
Bo Burt Copy Editor
Ola Rzeszut Page Designer
Isobel Blunt Page Designer
Amy Miller Page Designer
Olivia Nilsen Illustrator
Thandi Nia Carklin Photographer
Llŷr Eirug Head of Clebar
design by: Harriet Ulett
Jamia Hussain Photographer Alyssa Jeanes TikTok Manager
Amelia John Copy Editor/X Manager
Alfie Bennett Beyond Social Media Manager
Libbi Kettle Instagram Manager
Molly James Instagram Manager
Damilola Akinkunmi TikTok Manager
design by: Eleri Watts
photography by: Thandi Carklin
photography by: Thandi Carklin
GROWING UP WELSH
THE IMPORTANCE OF WELSH TRADITION AND CULUTRE
While many people might consider themselves British, I consider myself Welsh.
Growing up surrounded by a rich array of Welsh traditions solidified thispartofme.MyschoolwasnotaWelsh-language school, but we took the Eisteddfod very seriously each year, spending weeks preparing Welsh spoken poems, art pieces and dances. This integral piece of Welsh culture was so engaging and offered me comfort to who I was, because it was part of my heritage and was something enjoyed by my parents, grandparents and so on.
Some of my favourite childhood pictures are of me and my brother dressed in our traditional Welsh clothes before Eisteddfod day. Black hat, red dress, apron and a daffodil pinned right on my heart. The community I felt with everyone dressed the same, with pride for their nation and its history has been hard to replicate since. Growing up Welsh meant learning a lot of Welsh songs like Sosban Fach, Calon Lân, Yma O Hyd, our national anthem – Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau – and sillier ones like Aderyn Melyn. In a primary school placement that I did last year, I got to help teach a new generation of Welsh children these songs for their own Eisteddfod. Seeing children from Wales, and some that had moved here, all learning these songs from my childhood made me swell with nostalgia.
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been here, or how long you plan on staying, but there’s always an opportunity to sing, dance, and share traditions with each other. To me, being Welsh is sharing these cultural traditions that have been proudly performed for centuries and will continue for many more. From when I was in school swinging around to a Welsh folk song with my friends, I understood that being Welsh was something I would forever be proud of.
words by: Ava Hicks design by : Katie Storrie
A picture of me from Year 6 shows a sea of red Welsh rugby jumpers with one Welsh lady, standing at the side. It would be an annual event, the children all dressed up for a school photo to celebrate St David’s day on the 1st of March. This day held two special meanings for me as a child: the day that the school would celebrate my birthday when it wasn’t a leap year, and the day I got to dress up as a little Welsh lady. The tall black hat and chequered petticoat was slightly too small for me, but it stood out, resembling the lasting of Welsh tradition. I never did swap to rugby shirts like everyone else in class did, I stayed being that Welsh woman from centuries ago.
I didn’t know then that the national dress of Wales only dated back to the rural working women of the 19th century, but it didn’t matter. It made me feel proud that, for one day, I got to dress up and feel connected to my roots. The Valleys never did feel particularly Welsh to me and most of our curriculum centred around both England and Wales. Learning about monarchs, life as Victorians in London; it really didn’t feel like I was learning about my history. St David’s day felt special for how Welsh it was. I enjoyed the daffodils, exploring the history of Wales and reading all about who St David, the Patron Saint of Wales. Aside from the Eisteddfod, it was a
The Fading and Creating of Traditions
Christmas used to be about putting the milk and cookies out for Santa and the reindeers, now it’s all about getting excited to see your home friends after being at university for a term. Halloween used to be trick or treating as a family dressed as a pumpkin by your parents, now it’s looking forward to the biggest fancy dress night of the year in your favourite club. Traditions form the core of a family unit and bring friends and families together all through the year, traditions can be passed through many generations, particularly in your family. My fondest family tradition that I remember is at Christmas, marching through the house to say goodnight to each family member, laying out our stockings and sacks in anticipation for Santa’s arrival. My parents enjoy telling us about how our grandparents carried out this tradition with them as well.
Traditions can be as small or as extravagant as you like. Since moving to university some of the traditions in my life have changed. Moving into my house with my university friends, you could say that we have created our own mini family. A weekly tradition that is as small as sitting together evenings to watch our favourite tv show, may not seem big to some people but can completely make our day. A yearly tradition we like to do, specific to Cardiff, is attending the Cardiff Clash. Cardiff University vs Cardiff Met is usually our first big night out back together as a group. We also very much enjoy creating a Christmas dinner the last weekend before we all head home for Christmas. This is a tradition which we all experience back at home with our families but have brought with us to university to enjoy ourselves with our friends. Traditions can change, welcoming new experiences into your life.
words by: Jasmine Vigus-Huggins
Traditions hold importance in our lives, bringing nostalgia, comfort and connection to our past. Growing up, my family had many cherished traditions, especially around Christmas. We used to decorate the tree together and watch Christmas movies, but the traditions that have truly lasted are our Christmas Eve meal, and the new pyjamas we get each year – a tradition that I hope never changes. Other family traditions however, like Sunday roast dinners have become less frequent since I’ve grown older.
During University, family traditions couldn’t fit into my new life in the same way. We decorated our flat for Christmas, but it had a different feel. It was familiar, but not quite like home, there’s something about being with family that can’t be replicated. Now, traditions have started to take on a new form. New traditions have taken place and fill the gap left by old ones. Halloween, for instance, has shifted from trickor-treating around my village, to parties with friends. Some Sundays, my housemates and I will cook a roast dinner, and last year we even celebrated pancake day together, we even hosted a university Christmas dinner exchanging gifts and celebrating in our own way.
These new traditions provide comfort and remind me of home in a new setting. They’ve shown me the value of finding friends who feel like family. Of course, building these close connections isn’t easy, it takes time; but even small steps like shared meals or organising a get-together can help create that feeling of belonging. Moving away from home has taught me that the specifics of traditions do change, but the core purpose remains; to connect, feel comforted, mark important moments and create memories.
In a way, it is fair to say the only constant here is change. Traditions evolve as we move through stages but the purpose they serve remains.
words by: Lottie Baston design by: Ola Rzeszut
My Family Traditions: How They Shape Who You Are
When I think about my childhood, I remember a very happy one. Growing up, my parents made sure mine and my sister’s upbringing was magical and full of joy. A huge part of that was the many traditions that we had as a family. They made everyday life as well as special occasions a bit more fun. These ‘traditions’ are foundational in my memory of my childhood; they have shaped who I am as a person, my identity, how I view the world and how I act. It’s the little things that add up to make you who you are.
One of my favourite childhood traditions was Sunday roasts at my grandparents house. Every weekend, my sister, my parents, aunties, uncles, cousins and I all gathered there for the best roast ever, homemade Yorkshire puddings, an assortment of veg, the works. For pudding, my grandma would always make apple crumble and custard from scratch. After our food had gone down, we would often go outside in the garden for a game of British bulldog or see who could swing the highest on the swing. I have many fond memories of that time in my childhood.
Some of my other favourite traditions include the classics, egg hunts on Easter and putting treats out for Father Christmas and the reindeers on Christmas Eve. My dad would always make this extra special by leaving a letter from the Easter Bunny, always signed as ‘E.B’ in fancy writing. On Christmas morning, we would always come downstairs to the fireplace in our living room and the mice pie would be half eaten, the red wine gone and only crumbs would be left from the carrots. Which would make all of it feel real. Another tradition which I vividly remember is the Tooth Fairy, and again, to bring her to life, my dad would write letters to me and my sister pretending to be our individual tooth fairies, telling us about her life and what it was like to be a tooth fairy.
Another tradition the Collis household have at Christmastime is every Christmas Eve, we go and watch a film at the cinema and go out for dinner. It’s a simple one, and to many people it wouldn’t seem that exciting, but I have always loved doing this with my family, and I would hate it if it changed or somebody would have to miss it. During the COVID years, we did an at home version of this, and would watch a film on Netflix and get a nice takeaway. This is one of the traditions that we still carry on today.
A more personal tradition, that isn’t a very universal one, but I loved doing were treasure hunts. Whenever my dad was at home with us alone and my mum was at work, my dad would make loads of little drawings and hide them in places around the house, each drawing leading me and my sister to another location in our house, and closer to the ‘treasure’, which would always be sweets or chocolate of some form. This would always make days where we didn’t have anything planned more exciting, and I will forever be grateful to my dad for creating these foundational experiences, rooted into my core memories.
What all of these family traditions have taught me, most of all, is to have fun, be spontaneous and see the magic in everyday life. Now I’m an adult, Father Christmas, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy are no longer characters that feature in my story, and I’m not saying you should make invisible friends to make adulthood more enjoyable; what I am saying is, take the magic from your childhood, and see it in your adult life. In addition, the traditions that involve my extended family have taught me to value quality time spent with family. I look forward to every family gathering whether that be celebrating someone’s birthday, Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, or just a random Sunday where we all get together and have a roast.
words by: Ella Collis design by: Ola Rzeszut
“...I will forever be grateful to my dad for creating these foundational experiences, rooted into my core memories.”
photography by: Jamia Hussain
Timeless Tales: Evaluating Period Dramas
Bridgerton, a hit Netflix series, released in December 2020, reimagines Regency-era England with a fresh take on period drama, blending historical and modern elements. Costumes in Bridgerton mix traditional Regency silhouettes with vibrant colours and luxurious fabrics, adding a touch that appeals to modern viewers yet still demonstrates fashion in the early 1800s. Music plays a crucial role as well - pop hits like Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams” are covered as classical ballads, bringing a modern twist to the show’s Regency era. This approach helps Bridgerton maintain historical accuracy, creating a stylised world that balances authenticity and modernity. However, some have argued that Bridgerton’s diversity and relaxed social norms are historically inaccurate. However, by prioritising inclusivity, pop music, and vibrant colours, the series offers a reinterpreted story that appeals to today’s audience. Ultimately, although Bridgerton is not based on true events, it invites viewers into a fantasy version of the past, using costume, music, and inclusive storytelling- making it significant and relevant.
words by Isabelle Breaker
The Decameron is a comedy period drama set in 14th-century Italy during the plague. When watching, I found it intriguing how the series played with historical accuracy when reimagining the collection of novellas by author Giovanni Boccaccio. The show utilises dark humour and satirises the pandemic through its characters and nonsensical plot points. The satirical nature of the series allowed the costume directors to take creative liberties with costumes, hairstyles, and colours to create striking outfits for each character. Personally, the most historically accurate element in the series was the belief that the plague was sent by God as retribution, and the characters’ mindsets towards God and religion provide an insight into the mediaeval psyche during the plague. The Decameron also plays around with language through the mixture of colloquial language, accents, and Italian throughout the script. While not incredibly accurate when reimagining the past, any inaccuracies add to the comedic satire in a way that makes the show an enjoyable watch.
words by: Bhamini Khandige
design by: Emily Cartwright
In The Crown, the audience finally sees the iconic ‘Revenge Dress’ worn by Princess Diana. In season 5 episode 5, Diana dons the dress after Prince Charles’s interview addresses his relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles. In real life, Charles did appear in an ITV interview and admitted having cheated on Princess Diana. In the documentary shown that same year, Charles called Camilla a “great friend of mine” and said, “She has been a friend for a very long time- and will continue to be a friend for a very long time”. This all came after ‘Camillagate’ in 1993 with the unforgettable recorded phone conversations between the two. The way the show replicates this event very much reflects real-life public reception of Diana at this time. Much like the dress’s intended ‘revenge’, the show reclaims that power for her 28 years later, reiterating that message of independence just two months after King Charles’s inauguration, coinciding with the airing of the season in 2022.
words by: Hannah Coyle
REVIVING CLASSICS: THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING TRADITION
Film remakes have become increasingly common in the past fifteen to twenty years, especially from studios like Disney, Warner Bros and Universal. Often, because audiences hold the original material in high regard, filmmakers face the challenge of balancing respect for these classics while modernising them. This usually leads to two outcomes: faithful adaptations or unnecessary cash grabs.
Maintaining tradition in film remakes is crucial for many reasons. First, fans of the original stories will have high expectations for the remake, so including key characters and plot points will keep viewers emotionally invested in the franchise. Second, respecting the original creator’s vision means the remake stays true to the core message of the original work. Third, well-received remakes can introduce classic stories to new audiences and younger generations by making them more accessible or relatable.
Disney’s live-action Mulan (2020) is a prime example of how balancing tradition and bringing modern changes to the story can go wrong. Based on the 1998 animated film and the ancient Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, the remake received a 5.8/10 rating on IMDb and 2.8/5 stars on Google Reviews, indicating a lukewarm reception. However, let’s discuss what this remake did right. Both films share the core message of female empowerment through the protagonist defying traditional gender roles to honour her family and defend China. The remake also honours Chinese culture and history with detailed set designs, costumes, and martial arts choreography which is, in some ways, better than the animated film. Despite this, fans felt like the traditional elements of the original were sacrificed for a more serious tone instead.
For example, the audience adored Mushu the Dragon in
the original animated film as an endearing side character with witty banter, bringing entertainment and comedic relief throughout the film. However, many viewers expressed that the remake didn’t feel the same without him in the picture, feeling like a completely different film than the original.
Another notable change was that Mulan’s strength stemmed from “qi”, a supernatural energy, rather than through hard work and skill. In contrast, while the original material had supernatural aspects with ancestors, these never contributed to Mulan’s character development in terms of strength through human qualities like resilience and army training, resonating deeply with fans as opposed to the remake.
Finally, the loss of iconic songs like “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” and “A Girl Worth Fighting For” reduced the impact of the overall emotional storytelling. For example, the mood whiplash between the latter song and the abrupt cut to destruction and death makes the audience realise the true gravity of the situation. Reviews show that these songs impacted the storyline for many viewers, but the remake failed to execute this effectively due to a lack of emotional depth.
Overall, successful remakes don’t have to follow every detail of the original films; instead, they should focus on capturing the essence that makes them special for all audiences.
words by: Alanah Blayney design by: Harriet Ulett
Concert culture has been prevalent for centuries, allowing for fans and artists to connect on a much more intimate scale. It creates an entirely new atmosphere for music to be consumed and enjoyed. Over the course of these few centuries, concert culture has evolved with the times and become its own space. The establishment of social media has made it particularily noticable.This article will touch on a few elements of concert culture and fan traditions, and the different experiences individuals have.
Concert and fan culture are not just one spectacle – within these areas, each genre, even each artist, has its own culture. For example, comparing a Taylor Swift concert to a Bring Me The Horizon concert – it’s unlikely you’ll find mosh pits and walls of death at a Taylor Swift show. The commitment to fashion and dressing up for a Taylor Swift concert is something you would not see at a Bring Me The Horizon concert. In turn traditons are formed amongst fans’.
Do you ever find yourself listening to a new album, regardless of genre, and think to yourself something along the lines of “wow, I really want to sing this at the top of my lungs at a show”, or “I want nothing more than to be in the pit when this song plays?” These are examples of fan and concert culture, and how fan traditions are so interlinked. There’s also the added element of going to a show surrounded by likeminded people with at least one common interest. Back in September, I attended a Boston Manor Live Show, and hearing the entire crowd yell the breakdown from Sliding Doors in sync was one of my highlights as a music fan. With the addition of watching all the crowd surfers get pulled over the barrier, excitedly running back around the pit for another go – the sense of community built in that one moment, from just a crowd of people chanting the same lyrics, was unforgettable.
Other forms of fan tradition can include travelling for shows. As fandom culture has grown, following tours has become much more prevalent, building community and enhancing the fan experience. I have been to many concerts in Cardiff over the past year, I have met people from across the UK, Ireland, and even the USA. I have even travelled to attend a concert as well.
Concert Culture & Fan Traditions
This is just one little area of concert culture and fan traditions –there are so many more aspects, such as the rising prevalence of friendship bracelets, popularised primarily by Swifties but quickly being incorporated into other fanbases at other shows across different genres. Similarily, K-Pop fandom culture also involves activities like dressing up, trading photocards, and distributing freebies at various events and concerts. These newer examples of fan tradition help live music and fandom culture thrive. Again, a key aspect here is building community. Being surrounded by so many people with common interests, interacting with them, and creating great memories.
All in all, this is just a small part of something major – fan traditions and concert culture have played a large part in music for centuries.Without a doubt, concert culture and fan traditions will continue to grow and evolve, and new traditions will come around and spread, just like they’ve previously done and will continue to do.
words
by: Mia Petts design by: Isobel Blunt
photography by: Jamia Hussain
The Eisteddfod’s Role in Welsh Tradition
Every Welsh person has a fond memory from childhood that centres around the legendary celebration of the Eisteddfod. Separated into our four houses, all dressed up in various aspects of our culture (Rugby shirts, Welsh ladies, and even daffodils and leeks), ready and raring to belt out the national anthem at the top of our lungs. We would look around at our competition, eyeing up those coveted ribbons that we each worked our little socks off for in the forms of poetry, handwriting, art and music. School Eisteddfods at the beginning of March, usually held on St David’s Day, are some of the fondest memories from my childhood. Yes, your body would soon ache from hours of sitting on hardwood floor in the school hall, and yawns would quickly travel as we waited for the five-year-old Mozart-wannabe to finish his rendition of Calon Lan on the recorder – but the entire day was filled with excitement and anticipation, more so than any other day in the school year. Historically, the Eisteddfod has been celebrated as far back as 1176. Beginning as a gathering of musicians, artists and poets that competed for a space at
Lord Rhys’ table, the modern Eisteddfod incorporates these aspects whilst broadening the event to a Wales-wide ceremony. The celebration now centres entirely around the history and culture of Wales, aiming to preserve our tradition and adoration for our country by reminding us of our beautiful identity. One of the most exciting parts of our school Eisteddfod was The Crowning of the Bard. It was ridiculously over-the-top: five of our teachers would don long cloaks and masks, reminiscent of the ancient Celtic druids (and evil Kermit), whilst slowly circling the hall and pointing out their Bard –the one who had written the best poem. It was my dream to be selected, and whilst I never was, the ritual sparked my passion for writing poetry and is to blame for the degree I am studying at this very moment. The tradition relates back to the Gorsedd y Beirdd (Gorsedd of Bards) which were a group, much like Lord Rhys’ table, who were assembled for their associations with Welsh music, literature and art. How my little heart ached to be a druid within my primary school’s little Gorsedd.
In modern Wales, an annual official Eisteddfod is held in various locations throughout the country, usually changing every year to appreciate the culture of every aspect of the land. Thousands gather for a festival of music, poetry, dance and food, in which there is a massive emphasis on our language and history. After multiple attempts to erase our extensive heritage, such as Henry VIII’s Act of Union in 1536 that made English the official language in Wales, removing Welsh and banning its use in official administrations, Welsh people are implored to do as much as they can to keep the language alive. (Such acts were indeed typically carried out by the English, so any students from across the bridge, say diolch to your local Welshie when you can) With the census putting the percentage of Welsh speakers as just 17.8%, the tradition of the Eisteddfod, not just in society but in schools, reminds us of the importance of teaching our Welsh children the beauty of speaking our mother tongue. In the 19th century, children would endure corporal punishment for speaking the language, and get ridiculed by the phrase ‘Welsh Not’ branded upon a piece of wood that had to be worn until the end of the day. Now, the modern Eisteddfod rewards children for their contributions to the language with prizes and medallions. A silly tradition in the eyes of many, our Eisteddfod is, contrary to popular opinion, more relevant than ever. We as Welsh people have to continue such a cultural celebration to keep the Welsh fire alive, the adoration and Hiraeth we have for our country being unlike any other.
words by: Tegan Davies design by: Julia Bottoms
photography by: Jamia Hussain
Sentimental
Books have always been an important part of my house hold as I grew up. Coming from a mixed background, my mother wanted to spread her culture through literature. As soon as she could, she started reading to us, and as we were kids, she chose to read fairytales. My favourite one is called Le Jardin Du Ghalia Bent El Mansour.
While I do not remember much of the story in itself, the sentimental impact it had on me makes this yellow book one of my childhood core memories. In my opinion, what makes fairytales so special is how much the story and the feelings that we associate them with do not change, but how we perceive what is said in those fairytales changes as we grow older. Reading the same familiar words again, and yet, with the experience you have acquired now, the story says something so different from what you perceived when you were ten. This is for me, the magic behind fairy tales.
words by: Emilie Hottart
As a child, a tradition of mine was that after Sunday lunch, my younger sister and I would spend the afternoon at my grandma’s house. One of my favourite things to do was pouring over her collection of Lady Bird Tales. Between Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty and The Frog Prince, I had a firm favourite. Beauty and The Beast.
On the surface, I was enchanted by the book’s stunning illustrations. The battered classic was packed with drawings of beautiful dresses and an incredible castle, both of which captured my attention and imagination. I also appreciated the morality of the story itself immensely.
As a shy child, I greatly valued that Beauty was silently strong. She was always kind to her sisters despite them being cruel to her, and when her father tells her that she must marry the Beast so he can survive, she agrees to go to the castle. Although this may be seen as spineless by some, I always viewed Beauty as someone who was adaptable, and whose kindness to others who were seen as different was unparalleled. And since my grandma’s memories of those Sundays are vague, and my little sister isn’t little anymore, I treasure those distant afternoons and fairytales more than ever.
words by: Amelia John
Sentimental Fairytales
the help of the great lion, Aslan. Ultimately, they become the kings and queens of Narnia. It’s both whimsical and epic, but I think the bittersweet ending is what made it truly memorable. I have always been a fan of escapism, and haven’t always been a fan of reality, but the children’s return to their lives on Earth left a profound impression on me. The idea that they can draw on their lives in the magical Narnia to better appreciate the real world is a lesson that shaped my perspective on life,
Madeleine Torrington
Defying Traditional Literature Conventions
Damsels in distress, the much-loved leading ladies of our favourite fairy tales and Arthurian romances – forever will they be the epitome of grace and beauty, but is it time that female protagonists relied on themselves and their fellow women instead of waiting for a knight in shining armour? Modern literature seems to think so.
One of the numerous reasons for evolving traditions regarding the way in which women are written about is to reduce harmful stereotyping. As an ever-progressing society, it is crucial that the literature available today does not perpetuate close-minded ideas about gender. Female characters are entitled to display complexity and moral greyness, men should not constantly be forced into the role of villains and aggressors, and subverting gender expectations are becoming increasingly more important.
In Rachel Yoder’s delicious novel Nightbitch, themes of motherhood, autonomy, female relationships, and identity are explored in ways that deviate from societal expectations. Women are so often defined by their status as mothers, and this tale does not fail to highlight this problematic view. The narrator, who solely refers to herself as ‘Nightbitch’, expresses her discontentment with leaving behind the life she made as an individual to cater to her young son’s every whim.
One of the only male characters in the book, her husband, is frequently travelling with work, and so she digresses into nurturing her primal instincts and desires. As she wrestles with conscious control over her life, she feels as though she is having a physical transformation into a dog. Instead of assuming a position of distress during her metamorphic experience, she explores her relationship with other unfulfilled mothers and forms meaningful, empowering bonds. Through this conduit, she is able to reconstruct her self-image in a raw, sensual, and enlightening way. This process also enables her to bond with her child, and lean into motherhood in a way that felt freeing as opposed to being constrained.
While the novel is rife with magical realism, it is representative of the struggle many real mothers face at the hands of traditional values. If repressed women gone rogue without the aid of men tickles your fancy, Nightbitch will have you grinning with glee – add it, as well as her other novel At the Center, to your reading list!
words by: Grace Scribbins
As it was Black history month not long ago, I want to commemorate Black authors and books that showcase the racial prejudice against Black communities. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas breaks the conventional genre of YA (Young Adult) by confronting contemporary social issues. The story follows a young Black American girl who witnesses the murder of her childhood best friend at the hands of police brutality
The novel explores themes of race, identity, and activism, offering a raw insight into the everyday life for Black people in America. Unlike conventional YA novels where it often focuses on romantic subplots and the protagonist's personal growth, Thomas focuses on social issues like systematic racism and police brutality that still occurs today. Thomas’ protagonist, Starr Carter, navigates life as a Black woman who lives in the suburbs of New York. Thomas’ first person narrative enhances the novel’s story through her raw account which is often a generalised portrayal in literature, usually failing to represent marginalised characters authentically. Therefore, this narrative contrastingly makes her experiences more relatable and impactful to readers. This novel also breaks the norm of passive characters in YA novels as it highlights the importance of having a voice, as Starr builds the courage to tell her story and gain justice for her friend Khalil. As readers we get to see her journey from being silent to protesting for change.
The Hate U Give is an interesting novel that rejects the traditional YA genre and changes the traditional plot structures to a book that serves as a platform for social critique. Instead of prioritising entertainment, we can have meaningful discussions making the story relevant to contemporary issues. Overall, The Hate U Give challenges societal norms and offers critical reflection among readers and I thoroughly recommend giving it a read.
words by: Alicia Tari design by: Eleri Watts
Reinventing The Wheel: Traditional Clothing and Modernisation
The Terno
The terno, with its iconic butterfly sleeves and elegant silhouette, embodies Filipino heritage and artistry. Donned by Filipino women from the pre-colonial era to modern politicians and fashionistas, it reflects the resilience of Filipino identity. The garment globalised, representing a legacy that transcends time.
Originally the Baro’t saya (‘blouse and skirt’) during wSpanish colonial rule, this garment became a statement of nationalism. By the 20th century, it evolved with its signature butterfly sleeves. In 2017, Imelda Marcos, the “Iron Butterfly”, debuted the terno at Marcos’ inauguration as propaganda to mark it as an elite garment. Today, events like Manila’s ‘Ternocon’ and Vogue features make it accessible and celebrated globally.
Crafting a terno is difficult, balancing between rigid pagodas (‘sleeves’) flowy paldas (‘skirts’) and traditional fabrics like piña and silk. Designers have tinkered with its silhouette; my favourite being by designer Salavacion Lim Higgins’, or “Slim”. Specifically, the asymmetrical point terno (1956), inspired by Hollywood glamour, empowered women to reimagine femininity.
La Marnière
Berets are not the only thing that comes to mind when considering French attire. The marinière, a quintessentially French garment, has a rich and varied history. Originating in the 17th century among Breton sailors, the striped top was a practical item of clothing. It was then officially adopted by the French Navy (la Marine) in 1858, with specific regulations: 21 white stripes, each twice as wide as the indigo stripes.
During World War I, the marinière began its transformation from workwear to a symbol of high fashion. Coco Chanel, inspired by the seaside aesthetics of Normandy, introduced the garment into women’s fashion in 1916, challenging gender norms and celebrating a new era of feminine freedom. Over the years, it evolved into a timeless staple.
Having grown up in France, Jean-Paul Gautier comes to mind when thinking of the item of clothing. His aesthetic represents classic French chic and he incorporated the knit into his designs, making it a signature element of his fashion and fragrances. He featured the item in his men’s and women’s collections: Toy Boy and Dadaïsme in 1983. His signature scent, Le Mâle, also represents the figure of a man wearing a marinière.
However, promoting the terno as a national symbol rather than a ‘costume’ remains challenging, as the terno still lacks visibility. Due to Western influence, many Filipinos reserve it for cultural events, but due to the high cost of custom dresses, many resort to inauthentic online options, which compromises the terno’s integrity - yet many have no choice.
Its rich history is still being written, making it essential to support designers who honour Filipino cultural identity. I truly believe that the terno will find its place in the world and people will fall in love with it, as I have.
words by:
Today, the garment remains a staple in any French person’s wardrobe but many global fashion houses and high-street brands have embraced the top into their collections. Amor Lux, a French brand creating some of the highest quality knits, collaborated with American designer Marc Jacobs on a striped wool sweater. Despite its worldwide popularity, it is still a symbol of French style.
Charlotte Hardie-Watts
TimelessThreads: The Role of Tradition in Fashion’s Most Iconic Collections
Fashion surrounds us, it always has and always will, from political statements to even a wedding dress. It’s always there, but the question is; where did it come from?
When interpreting the history of fashion, it is pivotal to consider how brands have envisioned the cultural revival. A memorable example of this could be Jean Paul Gaultier’s reimaging of the cone bra. The cone bra, originally released in 1941 was a wardrobe staple for women in the 40’s. In 1983 Paul Gaultier decided to revise this seasonless standout, eventually showcasing it in his Fall/Winter 1984 collection. All of Hollywood’s IT girls embraced the new look, like Marylin Monroe and Jayne Mansfield and eventually Jean Paul Gaultier took to dressing Madonna with the Garment in the ‘90s.
However, with the cultural revival also comes cultural appropriation and remixing of culturally significant clothing by designers, causing a debate between appreciation and appropriation. For example, in 1998 British designer John Galliano, who was currently working for Dior, created the ‘Diorent Express’. The show interpreted styles from 17th century Europe with a mix of native Americans. The whole runway consisted of politically inaccurate stereotypes of native men and women. The show also included a woman dressed as Pocahontas with historically inaccurate men standing next to her, like an exotic fantasy. Creating a runway show like this and only presenting to the elites creates a fragmented perception and frames a colonisation narrative.
The history of fashion comes with a legacy – a tradition of craftsmanship. For example, the legacy of craftsmanship runs deep in the history of Dior. In 1930, Christian Dior embarked on his journey by selling sketches of designs to couture houses and from that point onward continued to evolve. 1947 was the year for his first success and as a dedication to his craftsmanship he revived his revolutionary “New Look” collection. Due to the commitment of craftsmanship Dior redefined femininity in the post war era, creating designs of opulence and sophistication, giving women a new platform to embrace and explore themselves through epitomised luxury and refinement. Christian Dior’s allegiance to his innovations and craftsmanship will continue to transform the runway for women, inspiring designers to keep pushing the boundaries of fashion. His legacy finds itself the most exquisite expression in the realm of contour and will always continue to honour his craftsmanship.
With the constant adaptations in the fashion industry, it’s important to investigate approaches that have stayed consistent like silhouettes. In the past, women wore the clothes that society wanted them to be seen in, now women have their own choice to choose how they want to be perceived. Post-French revolution the ‘empire style’ was popularised which consisted of high waisted silhouettes which is still incredibly common today. The bodice was fitted just below the bust, with a long-gathered skirt attached. This adapted style represented freedom for women who welcomed a different garment other than heavy and uncomfortable petticoats. By the 1830s waistlines had dropped to just below the natural position, a common silhouette which many men and women abide by in this century. It will most likely continue to be the go-to style. As we transitioned into the Victorian era, silhouettes remained tightly fitted but became more voluminous, emphasising waistlines and creating the hourglass figure that defines the feminine silhouette in today’s society. However, in the 1920s, we witnessed a drastic revolution in women’s clothing, with more trousers introduced while maintaining the same silhouette of a smaller waistline and wider hips - the go-to silhouette. A similar thing can be said for tailored suits and how they will continue to be the go-to silhouette for capturing the masculine fashion garment.
In summary, the history of fashion is boundless and can never be covered in just one article, but as much as we as a community of fashion respect the roots we also embrace the change and also the meaning behind certain transformations. Designers are constantly pushing the boundaries, blurring the line between feminine and masculine creating new realms and ideas of inspiration and I can’t wait to see where we are in another 20 years.
words by: Ffion Brook design by: Olivia Griffin
photography by: Katie Storrie
photography by: Thandi Carklin
Travel From Postcards
One of the many sites that has changed the tradition is Trivago, being well known for comparing hotel prices to 700,000+ hotels in order to help you find the best option. The site also claims to be the world’s largest online hotel search site, clearly overtaking tradition as travel agents have become reportedly ‘killed’ by the internet in comparison, according to Conde Nast Traveler. Not only has the internet overtaken the large-scale aspects of holiday organisation, but also the slow implementation of tech into travel has promoted the success of small tourism businesses. Some notable platforms include: GetYourGuide, IndyGuide and KimKim, all of which are booking platforms that help tailor your perfect itinerary. From finding your perfect Italian restaurant to looking for a local jewellery store, these are some of the other ways in which technology has changed the tourism industry. But is it for the better? I’ll leave that up to you to decide. Finally, a leading example of non-traditional approaches that can be attributed to social media is that it is an efficient way to boost travel advertisement, transforming postcards to post. Platforms such as Instagram use features like hashtags; collectively grouping a location, they are a great tool to get a target audience to discover something new and add it to their travel bucket list. Features also include location attachments, giving followers a direct link to access beautiful spots with ease. Interaction with the consumer is also something that social media capitalises on, with platforms such as TikTok tailoring the ‘For You’ page to show you videos of some of your dream holiday spots. These technological corporations are finding ways to get to know their customers even further. As we can see, there are countless ways in which the realm of social media has altered traditional ways to advertise travel. No longer relying on leaflets and posters, but instead on the inspiration of ‘travel influencers’ and the platforms they use as a vehicle for promotion. While technology has significantly reduced any chance at growth of face-to-face holiday planning, we can be thankful that this hasn’t yet been taken over by AI – for now at least!
Changes in traditional travel and tourism has sky-rocketed in the past decade, and we can put this down to one leading factor: technology. In the wake of the digital renaissance, there has been an enormous decline in face-to-face holiday bookings, itinerary planning and other travel related tasks. However, it seems that this is great news, with a study suggesting that about 55% of respondents worldwide are thrilled with the potential prospects that technologies could reach to further personalise their travel. Whilst I will later delve into some of these prospects, it’s important to unravel how impactful the digital world has been on this sector. First touching upon the impact on traditional forms of tourism, perhaps one of the most striking repercussions has to be on those working in the industry, with travel agent job openings dropping hugely. Between 2000 and 2021, roles have dropped by about 70%. Instead of visiting a local office, a full 6-week travel itinerary to island hop in Greece can be achieved via laptops or phones. Unfortunately, some would suggest that here lies the problem. A suppressed demand for those who specialise in the job means an influx of other openings, in this case through technology. When there is an ability to customise your trips online, without the pressure of someone selling you the best deals, it is clear that the online route is the most convenient. The abundance of choice allows customers to find exactly what they are looking for in just a few seconds and, with the help of Google, you can cater to your own plans through budget filters and find package deals within a matter of seconds. It is also important to note that with the temporary halt in travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic came an increase in use of technology for tourism purposes. Unable to hop on a plane out of the country anytime soon, people used the internet to their advantage, meticulously planning their next trip for when lockdown was over. Sites such as TripAdvisor and AirBnB have also revolutionised the way in which families organise their annual holiday. They give people the scope to be picky and base bookings off of reviews, whilst keeping ten tabs open to flick back and forth before deciding on their chosen destination.
To Post
words by: Bo Burt
For many across the world, New Year falls on January 1.However, some like me celebrate Chinese New Year, which happens a little later in the year. For us, Chinese New Year is more than just a new year - it’s a time when families come together in celebration. Rooted in the tradition of reunion, it’s often the only time in the year where some of us reunite with our extended families. This lively festival is not just about celebrating the new year, but also about restoring family relationships, paying respect to our elders and honouring traditional customs. One of the first traditions instilled in the younger generation is the serving of tea to their parents as a sign of respect. In return, we receive red packets and envelopes filled with money to signify good fortune for the year ahead. The practice of giving out red packets is done by married couples, while children and unmarried relatives usually receive them.
VsChinese New Year
From the first day of Chinese New Year till the last, we visit our relatives’ homes. Guests will usually come bearing small gifts for the hosts, such as mandarin oranges or a can of traditional biscuits. Sometimes, firecrackers are lit, as the loud sounds they make are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring in good luck and prosperity. Although Chinese populations around the world celebrate Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year is observed by a wider variety of cultures. Lunar New Year is a general term used to describe new year celebrations in several nations, including Korea and Vietnam, that are based on the lunar calendar. Every culture celebrates in a different way, even if the dates coincide. For example, Korea’s Seollal includes traditional sports and ancestral rites, whereas Vietnam’s Tết has flower marketplaces and family shrines. Although the lunar calendar serves as the foundation for both of these celebrations, Chinese New Year is unique in its customs surrounding cuisine, family get-togethers, and the zodiac.
Speaking of the zodiac, an animal from the Chinese zodiac represents each Chinese New Year. This cycle lasts for 12 years, with a different animal a each year. From the rat to the dragon, these animals are said to have an impact on people’s personalities and life trajectories. The Year of the Dragon, which is regarded as the most auspicious sign that represents strength and good fortune, will be celebrated in 2025. The beginning of a new zodiac year offers people a chance to consider the qualities connected to their animal sign and anticipate what the coming year will provide. Essentially, Chinese New Year is a special occasion with strong roots in respect, tradition, and family reunions, whereas Lunar New Year is a time of celebration for many cultures. Chinese New Year is a time when the past, present and future join together to celebrate unity and heritage, whether it be through the cracking of firecrackers, the clinking of tea cups, or the distribution of red packets.
words by: Nastassja Kate Lim design by: Julia Bottoms
Lunar New Year
FAMILY FLAVOURS
Recipies Passed Down Through The Ages
Rock Cakes A La Spencer:
Baking these rock cakes has always been a cherished family tradition, passed down from my great-grandma to my mum, filling our home with memories of togetherness. The exciting feeling of seeing the cakes laid out on the table. The blend of laughter and joy in every batch turns these treats into more than just food, they’re a personal gift, a heartfelt expression of care.
·8oz self-rising flour
·4oz butter or margarine
·4oz caster sugar
·2oz of your choice (e.g., dried fruit, coconut, chocolate, nuts)
·1 egg
1.Preheat the oven to 180 °C (fan setting).
2.Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl, Add the butter, then rub together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3.Stir in the caster sugar and your chosen ingredient until well combined.
4.Beat the egg and stir until the mixture comes together into a dough
5.Drop spoonful’s of the dough onto a lined baking tray, making sure to leave space between each one.
6.Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown
words by: Martha Spencer
Mum’s White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies
It’s not a surprise to the early days of being a student in a new city that you become homesick. I know I did. One way I feel closer to home is through baking. I am lucky that my mother is a baker, so I have grown up with a wide variety of bakes and treats. One bake that always reminds me of home is white chocolate and cranberry cookies. It’s such a simple but delicious treat that reminds me of my family.
·100g brown sugar
·125g Caster Sugar
·1 egg
·225g self-raising flour
·200g white chocolate chip
·200g dried cranberries
·125g butter
·1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1.Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
2.Cream the butter and sugars together, then add the egg and vanilla.
3.Sift the flour then add the chocolate chips and cranberries.
4.Roll into golf ball sized balls and place on a baking tray.
5.Cook the cookies for about 10-12 minutes until golden around the edges.
words by: Abigal Jeanes
Food & Drink
Nanna's Terrific Sticky
Toffee Pudding:
Pudding:
·225g pitted dates
·75g butter
·200g demerara sugar
·225g self-raising flour
·2 eggs
·2 tbsp syrup
·1 tsp bicarbonate
Sauce:
·75g butter
·75g dark muscovado sugar
·250ml double cream
·2 tsp syrup
1.Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease your dish. Put the chopped dates, 200ml boiling water and bicarbonate into a bowl, stir and leave.
2.Cream the butter and syrup until well mixed, add the sugar and mix again, beating out any lumps. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
3.Beating gently, add the flour and baking powder until you have a smooth, batter.
3.Stir the soaked dates, squishing them Pour the dates and liquid into the batter and incorporate.
4.Pour and scrape into your prepared dish. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes.
5.While the pudding is cooking make the sauce. Melt the butter, sugar and syrup over a low heat in a saucepan. Once everything is melted, stir in the cream.
6.Turn up the heat and once bubbling, take it off the heat.
7.As soon as it’s out of the oven, prick the sponge all over and pour a quarter of the sauce over.
8.Serve with the rest of the sauce and cream.
words by: Emily Cartwright design by: Katie Storrie
Food & Drink 38
Kneading The Past: A Look At The Influence Of Food On Our Past
From ‘Thermopoliums to Nando’s’
A look at the history of restaurants and the importance of them in human culture.
On a rather gloomy Saturday evening, my flatmates and I decided to stretch out our student budgets and have our dinner at Nando’s. This iconic establishment is for me – as I’m also sure it is for many of you readers – a much-loved classic. Since it is a pillar in the British culinary scene it was naturally packed with people. A table a few rows down from us was a family celebrating a birthday, a couple adjacent to us were obviously on a first date. All around us, there was a general buzz of conversation, menus being read out, condiment bottles fiddled with, all talking and laughing, only stopping when a waiter would bring out the food and silence would take hold as the party would sit and quietly relish their meals.
Eating out with friends, family, your lover, work colleagues, and everyone else in between is an almost universal practice –some form of it or another is visible in nearly every culture around the world. It is an occasion, something to look forward to, whether it is for a birthday, an anniversary, a promotion or, just because – it takes the everyday eating experience and enhances it.
According to the Atlas Obscura, some recognisable forms of public eating establishments first came about in Ancient Greece and Rome. Known as ‘Thermopoliums’ which translates from Ancient Greek as ‘hot shop’ or ‘hot things’ These public eateries were similar in style to our modern version of a fast-food restaurant. In China during the Song dynasty, cities such as Kaifeng and Hangzhou had what we now consider the first modern format of a restaurant. Establishments were set up to cater to the specific tastes of merchants from different regions who were not familiar with the local cuisine. However, locals who were interested in trying out these unfamiliar dishes also frequented these eateries. An ancient Chinese text describes one establishment where a team of ‘Singing Waiters’ would sing the customer’s order back to them as they were serving it.
Meanwhile, in Medieval and Renaissance Europe, inns and taverns would serve food and alcohol alongside offering a place for travellers to sleep for the night. Interestingly, despite plenty of trade between the East and West, when it came to the development of restaurants there is no evidence that they directly influenced each other. The actual term ‘restaurant’, meaning literally ‘to restore’. first came to use in the 1760s in Paris where Bouillon (a meat and egg broth) was served in elaborately decorated establishments along with various other dishes all intended to ‘restore vigour’.
Since the 1980s and 1990s, the restaurant business has expanded with a myriad of categories existing, from low-end fast-food joints such as McDonald’s and KFC to Michelin Star institutions such as the Scandinavian Restaurant ‘Noma’ where a table must be booked months in advance and the average spending for one diner is around £335. In modern society, restaurants are often also a way for cultures to interact. Austrian restaurateur Wolfgang Puck is attributed to being an early instigator of ‘Fusion Cuisine’ with his restaurant ‘Chinois on Main’ serving a mixture of French and Chinese cooking. With a now estimated 15 million eateries existing worldwide as of 2023, mega cities such as London and New York have almost 100 different national cuisines for diners to choose from.
The interesting thing about restaurants is the idea of importance surrounding them. People don’t necessarily eat out simply for food, it is a social experience – often an event of significance is attached to it. Film director Quentin Tarantino discusses the role that restaurants have in his films in an interview with film critic Elvis Mitchell, “I’ve always found restaurant scenes to be kind of ritualistic... I have rituals play out”. In a way Tarantino is correct, there is something ritualistic about restaurants, not just in films but in real life as well. We are carrying out an ancient ritual, human beings are social by nature, and eating together has always been a longstanding social bonding practice, it fosters a sense of belonging and community as well as making us feel safe. From the Ancient Greeks who hung about in the thermopoliums enjoying meat, lentils, and mulled spiced wine (Calida) to me and my flatmates in modern Cardiff enjoying our Peri Peri salted chips, the history of restaurants is a history of human creativity, community and an expanding of cultures.
words
by: Arielle Melamed design by: Harriet Ulett
Cwrdd: Elliw Strain
GAD DY CLEBAR
Beth yw dy enw?
Elliw Strain
Beth mae dy ffrindiau yn dy alw di?
Straen
Tri gair i ddisgrifio dy hun?
Swnllyd, sarcastic, “annoying” -Marged Alun
Pa gwrs wyt ti’n ei hastudio ac yn mha flwyddyn wyt ti?
Y Gyfraith – Blwyddyn Gyntaf
Ble byddwn ni’n debygol o ddod o hyd i ti ar nos sadwrn?
Clwb Ifor Bach
Beth yw dy ‘hangover cure’?
Orange Juice
Hoff beth am ddinas Caerdydd?
Uber
Beth yw dy ‘go to drink’ ar nosweth allan?
Vodka Blackcurrant Lemonade
Hoff beth am fod yn Cymro/Cymraes?
Steddfod Genedlaethol
Beth yw un arferiad gwael sydd gennyt ti?
Gwario gormod
Beth yw un cyfrinach sydd gennyt ti?
Dwi ddim yn natural blonde
Hoff gân?
Mor ddrwg â hynny -Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog
Pwy sydd angen cau eu clebar erbyn tro nesaf?
Ifan Meredith
geiriau gan: Llŷr Eirug
ddarlunio gan: Katie storrie
Caerdydd! Y lle delfrydol i fod yn fyfyriwr yn ystod tymor y Gaeaf am sawl rheswm. Gyda’r ddinas yn goleuo’n llachar, a’r aer yn gyfuniad o arogleuon siocled poeth, mins peis a gwin cynnes; mae hud a thraddodiad y Nadolig yma i aros.
Man sy’n boblogaidd ymysg myfyrwyr, trigolion Caerdydd a thu hwnt yw Winter Wonderland, sydd wedi’i leoli ar diroedd y castell, sydd dafliad carreg o ardal Cathays. Os yn awyddus i sglefrio iâ, mwynhau golygfeydd yr olwyn fawr neu brofi bwrlwm y ffair, ewch yno am wledd o weithgareddau!
BETH YW TRADDODIADAU
Beth am gynnal y traddodiad o gael cinio ‘Dolig yn eich ty neu’ch fflat? Wrth i bawb wneud eu rhan drwy dorri’r llysiau, paratoi’r cig, a phenderfynu pwy sy’n gwneud y tatws rhost gorau, ewch ati i wneud cinio ‘Dolig cynnar gyda’ch gilydd! Dyma’r cyfle perffaith i dynnu cracers a dathlu gyda’ch cydfyfyrwyr cyn yr Wyl. Llond bol o fwyd, a llond y lle o hwyl! Be well?
Cefnogwch fusnesau bychain y flwyddyn hon. Os ydych chi’n chwilio am anrheg unigryw i’ch teulu neu’ch ffrindiau, ymweld â’r Cytiau siopa Nadoligaidd yw’r ateb i chi. Fe gewch wledd osyniadau gwreiddiol, gyda phob cwt yn cynnig eu stamp personol eu hunain. Ni chewch eich siomi!
Yn olaf, mae’r traddodiad o gynnal cyngerdd nadoligaidd, gyda chôr Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal yn fuddiol ar gyfer profi amgylchedd cymdeithasol. Yn flynyddol, bydd elw’r cyngherddau yn mynd at elusen penodol, sy’n ein hatgoffa o ewyllys da dros gyfnod y Nadolig.
geiriau gan: Non Bleddyn ddarlunio gan: Olivia Griffin
photography by: Jamia Hussain
photography by: Thandi Carklin
THE TRADWIFE: A REDUX
TikTok is flooded with this image of spotless kitchens, flowery aprons and picture perfect homes - neatly folding together retro glamour and domestic bliss. For audiences tired of hustle culture and girlbossing, the trad wife lifestyle holds a certain allure. It’s a throwback to an era we’ve been told was simpler and happier. Yet, like all nostalgia, there’s a catch: this rose-coloured view overlooks the messy reality of gender roles in the 1950s, when women were limited by experiences and fewer opportunities for independence. The ‘tradwife’ trend sweeps this reality under the rug, glossing over that era’s challenges as it sells the ideal of ‘traditional’ living.
Today’s tradwife icons aren’t just homemakers: they’re influencers. Through social media, they’ve rebranded the old-fashioned homemaker into something chic and aspirational. However, are these women selling a feminist dream or an unattainable lifestyle? Take Hannah Neelman, former Julliard enrolled Ballerina, she traded in pointe shoes for wellies and an egg apron. She shares her farmhouse lifestyle through carefully crafted posts showcasing homebaked pies, her swarm of eight children and cosy family moments. She’s built the ‘Ballerina Farm’ brand that brings followers a sense of nostalgia and simplicity. Behind the charming scene of lavish labour lies contradiction. For many women, adopting this lifestyle is unrealistic, not only due to the economic restraint of having eight children and facilitating a whole working farm, but also the sheer amount of physical and mental labour required to sustain it without the support of external help. Neelman, in the Megan Agnew interview for The Times, stated how she sometimes has to stay in bed for days due to exhaustion. The report, however agenda driven, extrapolates how this cute countryside aesthetic does in fact require a different form of labour as opposed to the constantly turning hamster wheel of corporate living.
These tradwife influencers insist that this lifestyle is all about choice, but for critics, it’s more complicated. Young audiences looking to influencers for role models might see this content and believe it to be a more desirable life, which risks locking themselves into more restrictive roles that feminists have fought long to dismantle. For many, this isn’t just a lifestyle choice; it’s an attempt to retrieve outdated gender expectations that tell women they should resort to being confined into the home again, in service to their husbands and families. Narrowing women into a restrictive
view is worth asking: who is truly benefitting from this? There is no denying that the tradwife trend is a current craze online, and it’s not hard to see why. Modern life can be exhausting, with the demands of careers, relationships and social expectations wearing people down. The transition from the pandemic could be to blame. With hustle culture being so prolific anyway, the pandemic has brought work to home and hasn’t quite made the transition back. The appeal of slowing down, embracing homemaking, and finding meaning in traditional roles can feel wholesome and soothing. And in an era where mental health struggles and burnout are on the rise, there’s little wonder why this image resonates so strongly. This lifestyle is ultimately curated, like any influencer content. Behind the shots of perfectly set tables and lovingly prepared meals, there are hours of work done by designated teams. The ‘peace’ these women are advertising is a product.
In the end, embracing choice means recognising the power in diversity - the freedom to live in ways that feel meaningful to each individual, unbound by historical expectations. As the allure of traditional femininity flickers in social media feeds, it’s important to remember that authenticity isn’t always picture perfect. True empowerment comes from celebrating women’s choices in all their forms, beyond curated kitchens and a perfect sourdough loaf, ensuring that tradition remains a choice, not a prescription.
words by Emily Cartwright design by Isobel Blunt
The Myth Of The Cherry
Losing our virginity has been described in many ways, from being deflowered to popping your cherry. In the modern-day, there is still shame; people still live in fear of their first time having sex because of these outdated ideas. I think we like to believe that as a society we have moved away from these ideas, and to some degree we have, but the toxic narrative is still held strong.
It is worrying for a variety of reasons, one of which being how purity culture can make people, often women, more susceptible to sexual abuse. We often think that we are supposed to act in a certain way, or because religion can be brought into the mix. It can ruin your life and relationships with the people around you. Purity culture enforces the idea that once you have lost your virginity, especially if out of wedlock, you’re dirty. You’re used goods. It puts such pressure on a body count, the idea that if it is what society deems too high for a girl, you’re a slut. A slag. A whore. You can see purity culture in porn, too! The fetishisation of ‘barely 18s’ or ‘virgins’ can be seen as a result of purity culture. It enables women to be controlled by men, often with the idea that this is how it should be.
As a girl, it is difficult growing up with a purity culture, and I am so lucky I didn’t listen to the people who told me to save my first kiss for marriage. However, just because it wasn’t visible, the impacts of purity culture are still there. The impact has hurt us all.
words by: Olivia Burke
Promiscuity is a word I’ve heard a lot over the past few years. I never grew up in a household that valued purity culture or pushed me to wait till marriage; my parents’ only concern was my health, safety and happiness. I only became hyper aware of sexual virtue after I lost my virginity. I quickly learned that there were certain standards that women were expected to be held to. Losing my virginity felt almost like I was being welcomed into a club I didn’t want to be in, a club whose mantra was “since you’re no longer pure, you must stay as pure as possible.” I almost wished I stayed a virgin. The boys where I’m from go through girls left and right, yet the rumour of a girl having sex with more than one person in a calendar year is enough to label her a slut.
I came to university thinking there was so much less stigma around sex and purity. Rather, I found myself in a relationship where he looked me dead in the eyes with disdain and said, ‘I never imagined my future wife having done something like that’, when I opened up to him about an experience I had that changed my relationship with sex for the worse. My outlook on my own self-worth changed after that. Purity culture emphasises this twisted belief that women are only worth anything if they are unscathed by sexual promiscuity. I spent a long time putting myself down because of how much my purity was of value to someone else. Humans are innately sexual creatures, there should be no shame in the choice of sexual activity or even abstinence. We’re all on our own paths, and every partner, experience and choice are key to learning important things about ourselves. Shaming someone for enjoying sex says much more about you than it does them. Just live by the words: to each their own.
words by: Carolina Domingues Peret design by Eleri Watts
Pulse The Festival Living Through
Cultural festivals play a crucial role in preserving communities, serving as a window into the values and traditions that each of them uphold. They are not merely events, but rather living tapestries woven from the threads of collective memory, artistry and social connection.
Through festivals, we as onlookers witness the intersection of history and contemporary life, encapsulating the essence of what it means to belong to a community. At their core, festivals capture the essence of heritage. Whether it’s the colourful ofrendas of Día de los Muertos, the beerladen tents of Oktoberfest or the countless performances at Glastonbury, these festivals provide an immersive experience that connects people to their roots.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrated in Mexico on November 1-2, is a joyful time that helps people celebrate the memory of the deceased. Families create ofrendas (offerings) to honour their passed-on family, with altars decorated in yellow marigolds as pathways that guide spirits to the presents, and most importantly faces are painted as skulls with bright colours, representing the departed souls celebrating their lives. Ironically, Día de los Muertos is a celebratory festival, reminding participants of the continuity of life, encouraging families to celebrate their ancestors in rituals passed down through generations. The festival combines indigenous customs with Catholic practices, connecting families through a universal celebration of life and preserving traditions integrated into family trees.
Oktoberfest is a unique blend of tradition and modernity that connects Bavarian heritage with contemporary elements. Historically, the festival originates from a single wedding, celebrated in 1810 of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Oktoberfest lasted a week, and once it ended, the couple
decided the festival should be held annually. The festival eventually moved forward into September, as festivalgoers began to complain about Bavaria’s rainy October. By 1960, Oktoberfest had expanded internationally into a worldfamous cultural festival, bringing people together from all over the world, and promoting multiculturalism and preservation of tradition.
Today, Oktoberfest remains rooted in original customs like beer brewing, folk music and Bavarian attire, such as lederhosen and dirndls, but combined with modernday attractions such as high-tech tents, carnival rides and digital booking, social media and payment options for contemporary audiences. By embracing evolving customs, Oktoberfest has retained its cultural significance, by promoting new practices to cater for modern audiences. Attendees may not fully remember the Bavarian royals who started the event, but they certainly do drink in their honour. Celebrated on November 5 in the UK, Bonfire Night is deeply ingrained in the cultural canvas of the United Kingdom, making its annual appearance on November 5. Whilst Halloween may have overtaken as most popular autumn festivity, November 5 is still a key date in any Brit’s annual calendar.
On the day of its celebration in 1610, 36 barrels of gunpowder were found beneath Westminster Palace, where parliament resided at that time, and with them, a man with fuses in his pockets. Holding out for days under torture, this man eventually confessed to his crimes. His name was Guy Fawkes, who hoped to start a Catholic uprising by blowing up parliament, including King James I and his nobles. Immediately the plot became a widespread national story in England, with bonfires and effigies of the Pope being strung up in the streets, to demonstrate prejudice towards Catholics.
Guy Fawkes celebrations became more commonplace in the 20th century, with fireworks displays taking place in back gardens. The festival has now been stripped of its religious roots. In some ways, Guy Fawkes has been removed from the festival’s history, with the bonfire and fireworks forming the core element of celebrations. While the religious and political significance of Bonfire Night may have waned, it remains a cultural event integrated into British culture.
In essence, cultural festivals are powerful expressions of heritage, weaving together history, tradition and community. They are reminders of who we are and where we come from, providing spaces for connection and reflection. In a constantly evolving world, these festivals stand as a resilience of culture, ensuring historical legacies will inspire future generations. Embracing and participating in these celebrations of culture is a commitment to preserving the tapestry of human experience that binds us all.
words by: Clemency Byrne design by: Amy Miller
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
In a time where independence often dominates conversations, women are increasingly reclaiming traditionally ‘girly’ activities – sleepovers, brunches, cosy nights in – as essential rituals of connection and selfexpression. Far from being silly and idle, these gatherings serve as powerful spaces for women to unwind, connect and embrace femininity in its many forms.
From doing each other’s hair, dressing up for drinks, to chatting late into the night, these traditions tap into a sense of sisterhood that’s especially valued today. In a society that often snubs ‘girly’ pastimes, embracing these activities is an act of resistance and pride, and women can reclaim girlhood from judgement and celebrate it as a source of strength. There’s a shared pride in female friendships and a refusal to see femininity as ‘less than’.
Sweet treats and walks with a coffee (a personal favourite) offer additional ways to socialise and break from life’s struggles, allowing for intimate debriefs and shared experiences. Especially for those of us in university, these moments create a little familial feeling away from home, reinforcing the importance of girlhood and connection during transitional periods.
Media and shows like Sex and the City capture the beauty of feminine friendship, portraying women who support, uplift, and empower one another without apology or judgement. From Carrie and the gang’s endless brunches to their heartfelt talks, clearly, these moments are about more than just socialising – they’re about truly being seen and understood.
For women today, these feminine traditions aren’t just nostalgic rituals - they’re opportunities to tap into shared feminine energy. By embracing them, women affirm that femininity is powerful and worthy of celebration. So, next time you’re gathered with your girls, know you’re taking part in a tradition that uplifts, strengthens, and redefines what it means to ‘’just have fun’’.
words by: Wiktoria Alicja Gabara design by: Harriet Ulett
Beyond 50
BEYOND INTERVIEW: Jasper Wilkins
Jasper Wilkins is a video director, producer and photographer based in London.
In his current role as a Senior Producer at the BBC he leads the creation of digital content for flagship shows like Gladiators, The Apprentice, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
How did your involvement with Quench shape your path into the media industry?
I was leading the Quench design team, working five days a week filming content for the uni international office, annihilating my wallet at raves and gigs every weekend, and on rare occasions even doing some coursework.
Amongst the storm of exam stress and strawpedos, student media was a constant outlet to stretch my creative muscles in a structured way. Through Quench I honed my design skills, did fashion shoots, and levelled up my Adobe knowledge over many late nights in the media office. I also got to shoot massive artists like Kano and The 1975.My favourite weird piece was our feature with Ninjah, Cardiff’s favourite bin drummer. He told us he speaks 56 languages and bench presses the planet every single day. God bless that insane man.
My professional career since then has seen me organise drag queen tarot readings, photograph Stormzy, and force David Mitchell to eat tinned Spam in an apocalypse bunker. Perhaps some things haven’t really changed!
What skills do you feel you gained or developed at university that have been most useful in your career? People skills are a universal ability that will help you in any career, but especially in media and journalism. As a student I loathed being in group projects when one person wasn’t pulling their weight, but in hindsight those were the moments where I grew the most.
Navigating similar situations is a core part of my job now. Whether it’s getting the right sound bite out of tough contributors or handling an exec producer who doesn’t like the word ‘no’, those soft skills get put to use every day.
How did you feel going into employment after university? My first ‘proper’ job after graduating was as a digital content editor for the British Council, the UK’s international culture organisation. I spent a couple of years with them here in Cardiff making videos about British life – my peak was a mildly viral video about how to make a cup of tea.
I found the shift to full time office life challenging at first, but the best thing to do is to get stuck in, embrace the change, and make some friends. A good cup of tea is key not only for viral videos but also the most powerful office diplomacy tool known to mankind.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your media career, and how did you navigate them?
My entry into the world of television was a little unusual; I jumped straight from being a civil servant to spearheading the digital comedy commissioning process for UKTV. I didn’t have any industry connections, so that first leap involved weeks of research and interview preparation, buckets of genuine enthusiasm, and a fair dose of luck. If I was to do it again, I would have explored TV entry schemes earlier in my career. The BBC, Sky and Channel 4 all offer solid development programmes which are worth considering if you’re a fresh graduate. ScreenSkills is an excellent free resource for training schemes and job opportunities, and there’s plenty of Facebook pages and email lists out there that you can sign up to for short term runner work.
How do you deal with criticism in a profession where your work is publicly scrutinised?
Journalists may have dozens of pitches turned down each week, producers will spend hours working on projects that will never get greenlit, presenters will have their segments cut at the last minute. It’s not personal, it’s just what happens in a world with a finite budget and limited story space. It’s also important to separate the useful public feedback from the trolls. The internet makes it easy for anyone to hate anything for any reason, so you can’t take it too seriously.
What advice would you give to university students who aspire to pursue a career in media today?
I’m going to say this quietly: your academic degree is nowhere near as important as you think it is. No interviewer has ever asked me for my thoughts on millennial post feminism in Hollywood cinema, or even what degree grade I got.
What does matter in your media career is what you bring to a team or project, how easy you are to get along with, and ultimately how good your demonstrated work is.
I have interviewed dozens of graduates for entry level media roles, and the folks who stand out are those who have developed their skills independently and have the portfolio to show it off. The best thing you can do is get out there and make that passion project documentary, write that student media article that showcases your talents to the max.
Do not wait for permission to start your career. I promise you, the ‘fuck it, I’ll do it myself’ energy will get you further than just waiting. Because once you take yourself seriously, other people will too.
Beyond that, network your socks off and be curious. Ask industry folks you admire for guidance over a coffee or a call.
If you could give advice to your university self when you were working on this magazine, what would it be?
Stop stressing, because it all works out in the end. Remember to enjoy the ride. And for God’s sake, invest in this new thing called Bitcoin immediately.
Is there one person or group who has always been a dream to work with that you haven’t done so yet?
I love big characters and iconic personalities, so in no particular order I’d say Adele, Barack Obama, Shrek, and Claudia Winkleman. I’d get them all on Come Dine With Me and revel in the chaos.
words by: George Clark design by: Julia Bottoms
“Memories make the foundation of tradition...
and traditions bring those memories back to life.”
