Briefly About Wales
Hi there! I’m Vlad. Today I’d like to share with you some brief information about Wales. Wales is one of the most beautiful parts of the British Isles. Its mountains and valleys are truly stunning. Wales is a highland country made up of ancient, hard rocks.
Traditionally, Wales is divided into North Wales and South Wales. North Wales is a region of mountains and deep valleys, while South Wales is characterized by high hills and broad valleys. North Wales is primarily a farming region, while South Wales is known for its industry.
One of the most scenic areas in Wales is Snowdonia. Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, is located there.
Wales is a very popular destination for holidays. Thousands of people visit the seaside resorts along the North Wales coast or enjoy the tranquility of villages far from busy towns.
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is located in the south of the country. It lies near the mouth of the River Taff. Cardiff is an important industrial city and port, as well as an administrative and educational center.
The native language of the Welsh people is Welsh. It is one of the oldest living languages in Europe. Welsh people are very proud of their Celtic heritage and strong cultural identity.
The red dragon on the Welsh flag is a symbol of Welsh identity, resistance, strength and pride rooted in both mythology and real historical use.
Historical and Mythological Roots of the Red Dragon on the Welsh Flag
The red dragon is an ancient symbol of Wales. It has been associated with Wales for over a thousand years.
The earliest known use of a dragon to symbolize Wales dates back to the Roman occupation of Britain. Roman cavalry used dragon standards, and this imagery may have influenced later Welsh legends.
A famous Welsh legend tells of a battle between a red dragon (representing the Britons) and a white dragon (representing the invading Saxons). In the legend, the red dragon defeats the white dragon, symbolizing the victory of the native Britons over the Saxons. This tale is often linked to the wizard Merlin and King Vortigern.
The red dragon was used as a symbol by Welsh kings, especially Cadwaladr, a 7th-century Welsh king. Later, the Tudor dynasty (of Welsh origin) revived this symbolism, strengthening its association with Wales.
The current Welsh flag, a red dragon on a green and white field, was officially recognized in 1959.
Wales is often called the “Land of Songs.” The Welsh people are renowned for their beautiful singing voices. Welsh choirs are very famous and often perform internationally.
Singers, dancers, musicians, and poets from around the world come to participate in Welsh music festivals. One of the most famous of these festivals is the Eisteddfod. The Eisteddfod features competitions for the best Welsh poem, song, and singer of the year. The festival is organized by the Druids. The leader of the Druids is always a poet.
Who Were the Druids?
The Druids were the priests, teachers, and judges of the ancient Celtic people. They lived in parts of Western Europe, especially Britain, Ireland, and Gaul (modern-day France), before and during the early Roman times (around 500 BC to 300 AD).
Druids were very important in Celtic society. They didn’t just perform religious ceremonies, they also played many roles. They were religious leaders. They led ceremonies, especially those involving nature, the sun, the moon, and the seasons. They gave advice to kings and warriors. They passed on knowledge through oral tradition (they didn’t write things down). They were judges and helped solve disputes and made important decisions. They were healers. They used herbs and nature in healing.
Druids believed in nature as sacred. Trees, rivers, and animals had special meanings for them. Druids didn’t have temples, nature was their temple. Druids often met in oak forests. The oak tree was sacred, symbolizing strength and wisdom.
They believed in many gods. They thought the soul would live again after death.
Some people believe that Stonehenge was used by the Druids for solar and lunar ceremonies, especially during solstices. Though built before the Druids’ time, it was likely used or re-used by them.
When the Romans invaded Celtic lands (like Britain), they saw the Druids as a threat to their power and tried to wipe them out. Later, as Christianity spread, Druid traditions faded or were replaced.
There are modern Druid groups who try to revive ancient Celtic beliefs or follow nature-based spirituality. These are not the same as the original Druids but are inspired by them.
The patron saint of Wales is St. David. St. David’s Day is celebrated on March 1st. On this day, Welsh people around the world wear either daffodils to honor their saint.
Welsh people generally wear the same clothing as the English, except on special occasions. On these occasions, a traditional Welsh woman’s costume includes a red cloak, a long skirt, an apron, and a tall black hat. Welsh men do not have a national costume.
Wales has more castles per square kilometer than any other country in Europe.
The national sport of Wales is Rugby Union.
What can you add to the brief information about Wales? Leave your comment.
Wales is a very beautiful country. It has stunning natural landscapes and charming cities. In my opinion, this country has an amazing history and rich traditions. The legends they tell are so vivid that it’s easy to believe in them. Although their traditional costumes seem strange and a bit funny to me, they are still interesting. Overall, the Welsh people have their own traditions, speak their own language, and follow their faith, despite being somewhat dependent on England.
What I liked the most was the part about the old Druids and how people today are still trying to bring back some of those ancient nature beliefs. It’s cool to see how something so old can still inspire people today.
Also, I was really surprised that Wales has the most castles per square kilometer in Europe. That makes it feel like a real-life fantasy world or like something out of a movie or a game.
St. David’s Day also sounds interesting. I like how a simple thing like wearing a daffodil can show national pride. It’s not something big or loud, but it really means a lot.
Wales is a small country, but with a deep soul. I’d love to visit it one day and see all that history and nature in real life.