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Wales (Welsh) 3’x2′ Flag
Wales (Welsh) 3’x2′ Flag
History of the Flag
The Welsh flag, known as "Baner Cymru" or "Y Ddraig Goch" in Welsh, translates to "the red dragon." This distinctive flag features a red dragon depicted in a passant pose against a field of green and white. The precise portrayal of the dragon can vary due to heraldic conventions, resulting in numerous interpretations. It's important to note that the red dragon is not incorporated into the Union Flag.
The red dragon on the Welsh flag symbolizes the bold spirit of the Welsh nation. According to legend, Vortigern, the ruler of the Celtic Britons from Powys, sought to construct a fortress at Dinas Emrys. However, his efforts were disrupted when Merlin/Ambrosius advised him to excavate two dragons beneath the castle. Among these, a red dragon represented the Celtic Britons (now recognized as Welsh), while a white dragon symbolized the Anglo-Saxons (now synonymous with English). Merlin/Ambrosius prophesied that the Celtic Britons would eventually regain control of the land, driving the Anglo-Saxons to retreat to the sea.
The emblem of the red dragon has been part of Wales since the time of Cadwaladr, who was the King of Gwynedd around 655 AD. Often referred to as the "Red Dragon of Cadwaladr," this symbol gained prominence as a military emblem during this era. By the time of the writing of "Historia Brittonum" around 828 AD, the red dragon had taken on more profound meaning, symbolizing not only resistance against the Saxons but also representing the hope of a future liberator and, for the first time, a marker of independence. The color "red" is explicitly attributed to the dragon at this point, although there are hints of its color in earlier references such as "Y Gododdin."
The narrative of Lludd a Llefelys in the Mabinogion cemented the association between the red dragon of the Celtic Britons and the white dragon of the Saxons. The Tudor colors of green and white were incorporated by Henry VII during the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. This was followed by the dragon's inclusion as a supporter in the Tudor royal arms.
Formally recognized as the Welsh national flag in 1959, the flag appears in various forms across the nation. Many cities, including Cardiff, the capital of Wales, include a dragon in their flag designs.
Flag size 3′ x 2′ (900mm x 600mm) Content – 100% polyester
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