[Ch. IX] Not addicted to gluttony or drunkenness, this people, who incur no expense in food or dress, and whose minds are always bent upon the defence of their country, and on the means of plunder, are wholly employed in the care of their horses and furniture. . . .
[Ch. X] No one of this nation ever begs, for the houses of all are common to all; and they consider liberality and hospitality amongst the virtues.
. . . Those who arrive in the morning are entertained till evening with the conversation of young women, and the music of the harp; for each house has its young women and harps allotted for that purpose... in each family the art of playing on the harp is held preferable to any other learning.
. . . While the family is engaged in waiting on the guests, the host and hostess stand up, paying unremitting attention to every thing, and take no food till all the company are satisfied; that in case of deficiency, it may fall upon them. A bed made of rushes, and covered with a coarse kind of cloth manufactured in the country called brychan, is then placed along the side of the room, and they all in common lie down to sleep; nor is their dress at night different from that by day, for at all seasons they defend themselves from the cold by only a thin cloak or tunic. The fire continues to burn by night as well as by day, at their feet, and they receive much comfort from the natural heat of the persons lying near them. . . .
[Ch. XI] Both sexes exceed any other nation in attention to their teeth, which they render like ivory, by constantly rubbing them with green hazel and wiping with woolen cloth. For their better preservation they abstain from hot meats, and eat only such as are cold, warm, or temperate. The men shave all their beard except the moustaches.
Source: Giraldus Cambrensis. Description of Wales. Ch. IX, X, XI, pp. 492-94.
World History
