National symbols of Wales facts for kids

The Prince of Wales's feathers badge.

Wales is a country known for its rich history and unique culture. Like many countries, it has special symbols that represent its identity and heritage. These symbols can be official, like the national flag, or unofficial, like certain plants or animals. They help tell the story of Wales to the world.

Flags: Symbols in the Sky

The flags of Wales are important symbols that tell stories of its past. They represent the country's spirit and history.

The Red Dragon Flag

The official flag of Wales, featuring the red dragon.

The most famous Welsh flag shows a bold red dragon on a green and white background. This dragon, called Y Ddraig Goch in Welsh, has been a symbol of Wales for a very long time. It was used by King Cadwaladr around 655 AD. The flag we see today became official in 1959.

Historical Banners

Llywelyn's Banner: This flag belonged to the princely House of Aberffraw from the Kingdom of Gwynedd. It features four golden lions on a red background, and four red lions on a golden background. This design shows the power of ancient Welsh rulers.
Owain Glyndŵr's Banner: Owain Glyndŵr was a famous Welsh leader who fought for Welsh independence. His banner also featured lions in red and gold. It was used during his battles against the English. Today, you can sometimes see this banner on public buildings.
The Golden Dragon: Another flag used by Owain Glyndŵr during his fight for independence was called Y Ddraig Aur, or the Golden Dragon. It was a powerful symbol for his campaign.

Saint David's Flag

The Flag of Saint David, often seen on St David's Day.

Saint David is the patron saint of Wales. His flag is black with a yellow cross. People sometimes use it as another Welsh flag, especially on St David's Day (March 1st).

Heraldry: Coats of Arms and Badges

Heraldry involves special designs and symbols used by families, countries, or organizations. These designs often appear on shields or flags.

The Red Dragon in Heraldry

The Red Dragon badge, a powerful symbol of Wales.

The Red Dragon (Y Ddraig Goch) is a very old symbol of Wales. It appears in ancient Welsh stories and legends. One legend tells of a king named Vortigern who found two dragons, one red and one white, fighting under his castle. A wise person named Merlin said the red dragon stood for the Welsh people, and the white dragon for their rivals. Merlin predicted the red dragon would win. This legend shows how important the dragon has been to Welsh identity for centuries.

Historic Welsh Coats of Arms

Llywelyn the Great's Arms: These were the traditional symbols of the House of Aberffraw, a powerful family from Gwynedd. They were also the personal arms of Llywelyn the Great, a significant Prince of Wales.
Owain Glyndŵr's Arms: Owain Glyndŵr adopted his own shield of arms when he became Prince of Wales in 1400. This design represented his leadership and claim to the Welsh throne.
The Royal Badge of Wales: This official Welsh coat of arms is based on the designs used by the native princes of Wales in the 13th century. It is a modern symbol that connects to Wales's royal past.

The Prince of Wales's Feathers

This badge shows three white feathers coming out of a gold crown. It has a German motto, Ich dien, which means "I serve." This badge is traditionally linked to the heir to the British throne, who is often called the Prince of Wales. Some Welsh sports teams and army groups use this badge. However, its use to represent Wales can sometimes be a topic of discussion.

National Anthem: A Song of Pride

Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau

Singing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau at a Wales rugby game.

The national anthem of Wales is called Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, which means "Land of My Fathers." It is a very important song that fills many Welsh people with pride. The words were written by Evan James, and his son, James James, composed the music. They created this anthem in January 1856 in Pontypridd, Wales. The original written copy of the song is kept safe at the National Library of Wales.

Nature's Symbols: Plants and Animals

Wales has several natural symbols that represent its beauty and heritage. These include specific plants and animals.

Plants of Wales

The Leek:

The leek, a traditional Welsh emblem.

The leek is a very old national emblem of Wales. A legend says that King Cadwaladr told his Welsh soldiers to wear leeks on their helmets during a battle. This helped them tell who was on their side.

The Daffodil:

Bright yellow daffodils, the national flower.

The bright yellow daffodil is the national flower of Wales. People often wear daffodils on St David's Day (March 1st) to celebrate. In Welsh, it is sometimes called cenhinen Bedr, which means "Saint Peter's leek."

The Sessile Oak:

The strong Sessile Oak, Wales's national tree.

The Sessile Oak tree is also known as the Welsh Oak. It is considered the national tree of Wales. These strong trees are a common sight in the Welsh landscape.

Animals of Wales

The Red Kite:

The majestic red kite soaring in the sky.

The red kite is a beautiful bird of prey. It is sometimes called the national symbol of wildlife in Wales. These majestic birds have made a great comeback in Wales thanks to conservation efforts.

The Welsh Language: A Living Treasure

The Welsh language (Cymraeg) is a very important part of what it means to be Welsh. It is seen as a key part of Welsh identity. About 750,000 people speak Welsh across the country. You can hear it on TV and radio, and see it on road signs.

Welsh Mottos: Words of Wisdom

Mottos are short phrases that express beliefs or goals. Wales has several important mottos:

Cymru am byth: This popular Welsh motto means "Wales forever." It shows a strong love for the country.
Pleidiol Wyf i'm Gwlad: This phrase means "I am true to my country." It comes from the national anthem. You can find it on the Royal Badge of Wales and on some £1 coins.
Y Ddraig Goch Ddyry Cychwyn: This motto means "the red dragon inspires action" or "the red dragon shall lead." It was on the Royal Badge of Wales from 1953 until 2008. It also appeared on some £1 coins as the motto for Cardiff.

Important People in Welsh History

Many individuals have played a significant role in shaping Wales and its identity.

Saint David:

A stained glass panel depicting Saint David.

Saint David is the patron saint of Wales. He was a bishop in the 6th century and is celebrated on St David's Day every March 1st.

Llywelyn the Great:

Llywelyn the Great, a powerful Welsh prince.

Llywelyn the Great was a powerful Prince of Wales who ruled between 1195 and 1240. He united much of Wales and is remembered as one of its greatest leaders.

Owain Glyndŵr:

Owain Glyndŵr, a Welsh national hero.

Owain Glyndŵr was a Welsh nobleman who led a major revolt against English rule in the early 15th century. He is considered a national hero for his fight for Welsh independence.

Cultural Symbols: Art, Costume, Food, and Music

Welsh culture is rich with unique traditions that have become symbols of the nation.

Art and Craft

Lovespoons: The earliest known dated Welsh lovespoon is from 1667. However, the tradition of carving these decorative wooden spoons as gifts of love is believed to be much older. You can see examples at the St Fagans National History Museum.

Traditional Costume

Welsh dress from 1905.

The unique Welsh hat first appeared in the 1830s and quickly became an icon of Wales. By the 1880s, elements of traditional Welsh clothing were adopted as a national costume. Girls began wearing it to celebrate St David's Day just before the First World War. Today, this costume is recognized as the national dress of Wales.

Food and Drink

Welsh cuisine includes several traditional dishes that are loved across the country.

Welsh cakes: These delicious, flat cakes are often described as the national dish of Wales. They are perfect for a snack or with a cup of tea.
Cawl: This hearty soup is a traditional Welsh meal. It is usually made with lamb or beef, along with leeks, potatoes, swedes, carrots, and other seasonal vegetables.
Glamorgan sausages: These are traditional Welsh vegetarian sausages. They are made from a tasty mix of cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs.
Welsh rarebit: This comforting dish consists of hot cheese sauce served over toasted bread. It is a simple yet delicious Welsh classic.

Music

Music plays a big part in Welsh culture, with certain traditions standing out as national symbols.

Male Voice Choirs: Welsh male voice choirs are famous around the world. Groups like the Treorchy choir and the Morriston choir have a long history. More recently, groups like Only Men Aloud have continued this proud tradition.
The Welsh Harp: The Welsh harp, also known as the triple harp, is considered the national instrument of Wales. Its beautiful sound is a key part of traditional Welsh music.