What is Y Ddraig Goch - the Welsh Red Dragon?

The red Dragon was introduced to Britain during Roman times. It is possible that the Romans learned of the dragon from the Persians. Initially the 'draco' was used as a standard by the Roman army but over time it was adopted by the Welsh people as their national flag. It is possibly the oldest national flag in use today.

The earliest recorded used of the red dragon symbolising Wales is in the 'Historia Brittonum' otherwise known as the 'History of Britain'. This was written early in the ninth century. It describes a battle between red and white dragons. Initially the white dragon dominated but finally the red dragon won. The fight was said to symbolise the struggle between the Welsh and English and prophesised that after years of oppression the

Welsh would drive the English from their lands. The great Welsh king, Cadwaladr, carried the dragon standard as a symbol of bravery and fierceness. Welsh princes and warriors continued the tradition. At the Battle of Crecy in 1346 Welsh archers serving in the English army carried the standard. Henry Tudor, who claimed descent from Cadwaladr, carried the dragon banner into battle at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. When he became Henry VII he decreed that the red dragon should appear on Welsh flag. In 1959 Queen Elizabeth II declared that the red dragon on a green and white field should become the official symbol of Wales.

Today, despite the continued strength of the white dragon, the Welsh people maintain their language, culture and sense of Welsh identity. Welsh Regiments serving overseas proudly fly their flag.

Ashley Shameli, the author of this article, is a director of http://www.purdicejewellery.co.uk. He also helps run the Purdice Home & Jewellery eBay shop at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Purdice-Home-and -Jewellery

---

Tsunami Aftermath

On December 26, 2004 a massive tsunami swept through Thailand... Read More

Babel vs. the PC

Imagine a time when mankind was young. Migration led many... Read More

Jewelry and the Darkside: Fashionable Gothic Jewelry

No, by jewelry and the darkside, we are not referring... Read More

The Original Nobility: Patricians and Knights

By "nobility" I refer to that class in society which... Read More

The Dazzling Beauty of the Shwedagon Paya

The Shwedagon Paya is much more than just another temple.... Read More

The Sixties

A decade that stands out above the rest of our... Read More

Native American Astrology: The Hawk (March 21 - April 19)

The Hawk is the first sign of the Native American... Read More

African Masks The Art of Creation

With western eyes we tend to view a tribal mask... Read More

Authenticity of Eskimo Inuit Art & Native Indian Art

Both Inuit Eskimo art and Native American art have gained... Read More

A Hidden Oriental Jewel: 100% Chinese Hand-Made Silk Embroidery

IntroductionDo you know what "silk embroidery is? Do you know... Read More

The Origin of Americas Corporate Elite (BC)

Ephesus had a shrine to the Anatolian mother-goddess and the... Read More

The Oldies? Nostalgia? Watchyacallit?

Our culture is defined by what we have access to!... Read More

Precious Stones ? The Big Five - Part 3 The Sapphire

The sapphire, protector of the innocent, celestial guardian of truth,... Read More

Gymnastics History ? A Brief Overview

Gymnastics, as an activity, has been around for more than... Read More

Marcus Garvey: A Symbol for Black Nationalism

My first kid's father named my son Marcus after legendary... Read More

Astrology : A Science or Superstition?

Human beings have always been curious to know their future.... Read More

American Citizenship

Can We Pass The Test?American CitizenshipI'm the daughter of an... Read More

Bad Mouthing Fellow Authors

The creative mind is a gift to humanity; but unfortunately... Read More

Nessie, the Beast of the Loch

They were fierce hill tribes in what is now Scotland,... Read More

Ernesto Apomayta offers Explanation of Mediums, Paints, & Techniques Used by Artists

Special Types of MediumsRice paper is a very delicate medium... Read More

A Maiden Trip

I belong to a hamlet called 'Konthai' which is in... Read More

At 60 plus Amitabh Bachchan Rules! - A Vastu Study

No words in this universe are enough to describe him,... Read More

A Look At The Years of Celebrities Wearing Jewelry

As far back as one can remember famous celebrities have... Read More

Opal Jewelry -- Your Own Personal Piece of Rainbow

Opal is a magnificent gemstone whose shades encompass virtually every... Read More

The Daily Show is a Must See on Comedy Central

Doesn't it seem that today there is nothing but bleak... Read More

Top 10 Questions about Body Piercing

Body piercing has grown so much in popularity in recent... Read More

Personal Protection Specialists and Celebrity Stalking

Celebrity stalking has become the way for the socially inept... Read More

Heraldry in the Crafts--Why Not Specialize?

I have a small website where I try to sell... Read More

Murder Solved From The Grave

I am very interested in reading about ghostly stories and... Read More

Feng Shui Monsters Under Your Bed

Good feng shui often requires making wise decisions based on... Read More

Berenguer Sauniere - This Place is Terrible

INSPIRATIONAL COMMENTS:"Let me issue and control a nation's money and... Read More

Shadows Boxing

Towards the end of Million Dollar Baby the character Scraps,... Read More

What To Expect From A Feng Shui Consultation

If you are wishing to harmonize or balance your house... Read More