The Red Dragon (Y Ddraig Goch)
The red dragon has long been associated with the country of Wales. It is the mark of bravery and victory, and has been a symbol for the Welsh people since the Middle Ages. The dragon graces shields and standards and is part of many families crest or coat of arms.
When King Henry VII was crowed as the King of England in 1485, it is said that he ordered the Red Dragon become part of the official flag of the principality of Wales. In 1901, the dragon officially became the symbol of Wales and in 1959, the present Queen made the red dragon on a green and white background the official flag for Wales. The Welsh are fiercely proud of their Dragon. “Y Ddraig Goch a ddyry Gychwyn” the Red Dragon will show the way.
However, some Englishman, who obviously has to much time on his hands, has deemed “The Dragon” to aggressive a symbol to display on a flag ~rolling eyes~ and there was talk of forcing us to change to a more serene symbol.
St David (Dewi Sant) is the Patron saint of Wales and her people, both of his parents were descended from Welsh royalty. He died on March 1st and was said to be over a hundred years. His remains were consigned to a shrine which was ransacked in the 11th Century by Viking invaders. St. David’s day is celebrated every year on March 1st and is a recognized the world over since the 12th Century. It is our national day of thanksgiving, and is traditionally signified by women wearing a daffodil and the men wearing a leek, both which are both Welsh National symbols.
Welsh National Anthem:
In Welsh
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau
yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion,
enwogion o fri:
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr
gwladgarwyr tra mad,
Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.
Gwlad! Gwlad!
pleidiol wyf i’m Gwlad.
Tra mor yn fyr
i’r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau !
In English:
Land of my fathers
so precious to me.
Proud mother of poets and singers,
high home of the free:
The fame of her heroes
Patriots much blessed,
Spilt their blood for freedom.
Homeland! Wales!
ever my heart is in Wales.
In thy good grace
Lord keep our race,
Our language, our hills and our vales.