The Red Dragon of Wales

The Red Dragon of Wales (y ddraig goch), although perhaps of Chinese origin, was introduced to Britain by the Romans some eighteen hundred years ago. Initially a military standard, in time this mythical beast developed into the flag of a nation. The Welsh may be the only people to have entered this millennium with the "same" flag as they entered the current one. Today despite the dominance of its neighbour England, the people of Wales have never ceased to be Welsh. The language culture and flag have all survived. The Welsh flag is seen perhaps now more than ever before in its history. At home the Welsh flag is to be seen flying in most towns as well on a massive scale at Rugby matches and other national events.

Wales has always been known as a country of music and song. There are many great traditions of Wales, but three stand out that make it culturally distinct from its neighbors: the Eisteddfod, the Noson Lawen and the Cymanfa Ganu.

Eisteddfod

Of these, the Eisteddfod is probably the most ancient and certainly the most popular. Since the 12th century we have records of an annual competition (or Eisteddfod [ais'teSvad] in Welsh), which was held to find the best poets, writers and musicians in the country. Originally only professionals took part, but now the Eisteddfod is open arts. In the 1860's the National Eisteddfod Society was founded, and the modern era of the competitions began. The chief contest is still that of poetry, being separated into two categories: to the public and, because all the events are in Welsh, it encourages a strong interest in the Welsh for the Chair, and for the Crown. The Eisteddfod now includes local crafts, orchestral and brass band contests. Many local communities organize their own Eisteddfod, and the National Eisteddfod is held in August each year, alternately in a northern or a southern town.

An International Eisteddfod (the international festival of folk-dancing and music) began in 1946, and no one expected much foreign interest. In fact fourteen countries took part. Nowadays, the International Eisteddfod takes place in the second week of July at Llangollen [laen'golan] (this town is in North Wales). People from over thirty countries come to compete in choral singing, folk-singing and folk-dancing, and the little valley is full of thousands of visitors coming to listen and watch.

Noson Lawen

Of unknown age is the next great Welsh tradition, the Noson Lawen (merry night). The event was held to celebrate the successful bringing in of the hay harvest, always a big event because of the uncertainty of the Welsh weather. Because corn does not grow in Wales, a good hay crop is essential for winter feed for the cattle and horses. During the long, dark winter nights, it was inevitable that music would play a large part in the proceedings, and it seems that the playing of the harp and reciting verses were key elements in the activities. No doubt large quantities of ale and cider were also consumed, but these are not necessary ingredients for a Noson Lawen.