The History and Meaning of the Welsh Flag
The Welsh Dragon
At the center of the Welsh flag lies the Welsh Dragon, Y Ddraig Goch, in red, set against a horizontal bi-color of white and green.
Meaning and Symbolism
The red dragon represents the ancient Welsh legend of the victory of the Welsh King Cadwaladr over a white dragon that symbolized the Saxons. The green and white stripes symbolize the rolling hills and fertile valleys of Wales.
Historical Origins
The first use of a dragon in connection with Wales can be traced back to the 7th century. However, it was only officially recognized as the national flag in 1959.
Controversy and Evolution
The design of the Welsh flag has been subject to debate and evolution over the years. In 2016, the Flag Institute proposed a new version featuring a smaller dragon and a simplified color scheme, but the proposal was met with resistance from some quarters.
Cultural Impact
The Welsh flag is a symbol of national pride and identity for the Welsh people. It is used on official buildings, flown at sporting events, and displayed on merchandise.
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