Celtic Cross, Celtic Knots and Red Dragon

Since I have a Welsh heritage, I selected this symbol for my homepage.  Wales is a part of the United Kingdom.  It is in the west central part of Great Britain with a coastline on the Irish Sea.  Wales has an area of 8,004 square miles.

About the Symbol

The cross is the symbol of Christianity that came to Wales in the sixth century.  It is a Celtic (pronounced Keltic-They did not play basketball) cross with a circle about the center of the cross.  The circle has no beginning and no end and is a symbol of eternity.  The Celtic knots in each arm are a medieval art form that was used to illuminate manuscripts.  The red dragon was used on the banner of Owain Glyndwr, the last native Prince of Wales.  The red dragon first appeared in a tale by Merlin in the Adventures of King Arthur.

 

Welsh Flag

The background of the Welsh flag shows the national colors of green and white.  These were the colors worn in battle in the middle ages by the Welsh soldier.  The leek (a green and white vegetable) was pinned to the uniform.

One last comment.  You have probably heard of Wales in reference to the late Diana, Princess of Wales and Charles, Prince of Wales.  These titles were earned through the conquests of Edward I - not by heritage - a fact the Welsh haven't forgotten in 700 years.

   Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Wales

National Anthem

The background music is the Welsh National Anthem, "Land of My Fathers"

Land of my Fathers, O land of the free,
A land of poets and minstrels, famed men.
Her brave warriors, patriots much blessed,
It was for freedom that they lost their blood.

Wales! Wales!,
I am devoted to my country.
So long as the sea is a wall to this fair beautiful land,


 
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