In general, the whole of Great Britain is characterized by its own unique culture, traditions and symbolism. The same can be said about the Principality of Wales, because it is an integral part of it. It should be noted that the use of dragons in paraphernalia has become very popular throughout the region for centuries . The flag of Wales, whose photo is located below, was no exception.
Image and colors
Currently, the Welsh national symbol is a canvas with horizontal stripes of white and green, on which a red image of a dragon is applied. In the literal translation from the Welsh language, the name of the flag is translated as “Red Dragon”. Despite the fact that it was officially recognized in 1959, the locals began to use this symbol back in the days of the Roman Empire. Many monarchs were also very impressed by the combination of these colors.
First official mention
The flag of Wales was first officially mentioned in literature in 1200. This manuscript was the legend "Llydd and Llewelys", which tells how Britain was able to get rid of two dragons that fought among themselves all the time. All residents of the state suffered from this. According to legend, people dug a hole, which was then filled with honey. She lured dragons, who got drunk and fell asleep, after which they were buried right there. Some time later, they managed to get out, and the struggle continued. As a result, the red dragon was stronger and destroyed the white. In the first of these, the Welsh saw royal subjects, and in the second - the Saxons (the people that at that time captured many islands). This was considered a very good omen, so the red dragon appeared on the national symbol. However, this is just a legend.
Origin
As of today, there is not a single officially recognized version of how the flag of Wales appeared. Many Welsh scholars have suggested that the red dragon has long symbolized ancient warriors. Despite this, most historians claim that this emblem was brought to the British Isles during their conquest by the Romans. As for the combination of green and white on the canvas, this combination was first used by the Welsh prince Llewelyn, and later used by the Tudor dynasty.
Historical change
Throughout its history, the flag of Wales has repeatedly been partially modified. For example, as of 1807, the red dragon on the national symbol was located on a green hill located on a white field. More than a century later, in 1953, the so-called neighborhoods were replaced by a green and white field. A shield crowned with a crown and the same dragon were applied to it.
Coat of arms
As of today, there is no officially acting coat of arms in Wales. His role in the country is played by the royal mark, which is approved at the legislative level. It is used in all local laws and regulations. The sign is made in the form of a shield drawn on four fields. In each of them are images of lions. Two of them are on the red field, and the same number on the golden one.
Unofficial characters
As in many other states, not only the coat of arms and flag of Wales are national symbols of the country. In addition to them, the people came up with an unofficial sign for themselves. Such in the principality is considered leek. There are two versions of why this particular plant was chosen by the Welsh. According to the first of them, during the protracted warrior, the inhabitants of the country fastened it on their hats. This made it possible to prevent the killing of associates and gain victory in the battles. There is another version. According to her, in famine, the Welsh had no choice but to eat this plant. At the same time, many residents of the country noted its excellent nutritional and taste qualities.
Despite this, most Welsh people call the yellow daffodil their unofficial symbol. The fact is that it begins to bloom on St. David's Day. However, this does not prevent local residents even on this holiday from wearing a sprig of leek on their clothes.
Paradox
Throughout the entire period of the country's development, the flag of Wales (pictures and photos of different eras are a vivid confirmation of this) underwent minor changes. In this case, only the basic colors and the dragon remained untouchable. Similar experiments were put to an end in 1959 when the flag was officially recognized. Despite this, Wales remains the only representative of Great Britain whose symbol is not on the flag of the United Kingdom. This paradox cannot but cause an abundance of criticism and indignation of the inhabitants of the region.