The flag of Wales, its origin and other symbols of the country

In general, the whole of Britain is characterized by its unique culture, traditions and symbols. The same can be said of the Principality of Wales, because it is an integral part of it. At the same time, it should be noted that the use of dragons in the dragon attributes has been very popular throughout the region since ancient times. The flag of Wales, the photo of which is located below, was no exception.

Image and colors

Currently, the Welsh national symbol is a canvas with horizontal stripes of white and green color, which has a red dragon image. In literal translation from the Welsh language, the name of the flag is translated - "Red Dragon". Despite the fact that it was officially recognized in 1959, local residents began to use this symbol during the Roman Empire. Many monarchs were very impressed also by the combination of these colors.

The first official mention

The flag of Wales was first officially mentioned in the literature in 1200. This manuscript was the legend "Llidd and Llevelis", which described how Britain could get rid of two dragons that fought among themselves all the time. All inhabitants of the state suffered from this. According to legend, people dug a pit, which was then filled with honey. She lured the dragons, who got drunk and fell asleep, after which they were buried right there. Some time later they managed to get out, and the fight continued. As a result, the red dragon was stronger and destroyed the white one. In the first of them, the Welsh saw royal subjects, and in the second Saxons (people, which at that time captured a lot of islands). This was considered a very good commemoration, so the red dragon appeared on the national symbol. However, this is just a legend.

Origin

As of today, there is no officially recognized version of how the flag of Wales appeared. Many Welsh researchers suggest that the scarlet dragon from ancient times symbolizes the 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 on the panel of green and white, this combination was first used by the Welsh Prince Llewelyn, and later was used by the Tudor dynasty.

Historical changes

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 on a white field. More than a century later, in 1953, the so-called neighborhoods were replaced by a field of green and white. It was covered with a crown shield and the same dragon.

Coat of arms

As of today, there is no official coat of arms in Wales. His role in the country is carried out by the royal sign, which is approved at the legislative level. It is used in all local legislative and regulatory documents. The sign is made in the form of a shield divided into four fields. In each of them there are images of lions. Two of them are on the red field, and the same number is on the golden field.

Informal characters

As in many other countries, not only the coat of arms and the 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 to be leeks. There are two versions of why this plant was chosen by the Welsh. According to the first of them, in times of protracted warriors, the inhabitants of the country fastened it on their hats. This allowed not to allow killing of allies and to win victories in battles. There is another version. According to her, in times of 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 of the Welsh people call their own unofficial symbol a yellow narcissus. The fact is that it begins to bloom on the Day of Saint David. However, this does not prevent local residents, even on this holiday, wearing a sprig of leeks on their clothes.

Paradox

Throughout the entire period of the country's development, the flag of Wales (pictures and photos of different epochs are a vivid confirmation of this) underwent insignificant changes. Untouched while remaining the main colors and dragon. Similar experiments were put to an end in 1959, when the flag was officially recognized. Despite this, Wales remains the only representative of the UK, whose symbol is not on the flag of the United Kingdom. This paradox can not but cause an abundance of criticism and indignation of the inhabitants of the region.