Traditions

National Flag

Y Ddraig Goch or Red Dragon is the national flag of Wales. It is not known exactly how the dragon came to be on the flag but it is thought to have been carried in battle by the early Celts. It is one of the oldest flags in the World and its unique design means it is one of the most identifiable flags anywhere.

National Emblems

The leek is the national emblem of Wales. It is thought Welsh soldiers wore leeks in their hats during battles to distinguish them from their enemies.

We also have the daffodil as a national emblem. This is because the Welsh word for leek and daffodil is the same – Cenhinen (leek) and Cenhinen Pedr (daffodil). This coincendece means that both have been adopted as our national emblem.

Patron Saint

The patron saint of Wales is St David (Dewi Sant). St David died on 1 March 589AD and is buried in St David’s Cathederal in Pembrokeshire. Such was the importance of St David, many pilgrims believed that just two pilgrimages to St David’s was worth one to Rome. St David’s Day (Dydd Gwyl Dewi) is celebrated on 1 March both in Wales and by Welsh communities all over the World.

Lovespoons

There is an ancient tradition in Wales where a young man would carve a spoon from a single piece of wood and present it to his sweetheart as a sign of his love and was considered an early form of an engagement ring. The spoons usually contained a number of symbols such as wheel, hearts, locks and birds that represented things such as love, friendship, health and wealth. The tradition continues to day although the spoons are likely to have been bought from specialist shops rather than made by the man himself. The spoons are also popular with tourists and make a great souvenir of Wales.

The National Anthem

The National Anthem of Wales is Hen Wlad fy Nhadau (Land of my fathers). It was written by Evan James and his son James in Pontypridd in 1856 and first performed at Tabor Chapel in Maesteg. The anthem is always sung in Welsh and is often heard at international sporting and cultural events.

Mae Hen Wlad fy Nhadau

Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri,
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mâd,
Tros ryddid gollasant eu gwaed.

Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad.
Tra môr yn fur i'r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau.

Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd,
Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i'm golwg sydd hardd;
Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
Ei nentydd, afonydd, i mi.

Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad tan ei droed,
Mae hen iaith y Cymry mor fyw ag erioed,
Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.