Interesting Welsh traditions and celebrations you need to know about!
Wales is a land of rich history and fascinating traditions. From its stunning landscapes to its vibrant culture, Wales has plenty to offer anyone interested in exploring its past and present. In this blog, we'll delve into some of the most fascinating Welsh traditions and history.
Our favourite Welsh traditions
1. Eisteddfod
Eisteddfod is a Welsh word that means a festival of poetry, music, and performance. This event has been held annually in Wales since the 12th century, making it one of the oldest cultural festivals in Europe.
The festival is a celebration of the Welsh language and culture, with competitions and performances held in Welsh poetry, music, dance, and other arts. The Eisteddfod is a symbol of Welsh identity and a showcase for the country's rich artistic heritage.
2. Welsh Language
The Welsh language is one of the oldest languages in Europe and has been spoken in Wales for over 1,500 years. Today, it is spoken by around 20% of the population, and efforts are being made to encourage more people to learn and use the language.
Welsh is a Celtic language and has many unique features, such as mutations and a complex grammatical structure. The Welsh language is a fundamental part of Welsh culture and identity and is an important symbol of the country's history and heritage.
3. St David's Day
St David's Day is the national day of Wales, celebrated on 1st March every year. The day is named after St David, the patron saint of Wales, who lived in the 6th century.
Celebrations include parades, concerts, and other events, and people wear daffodils or leeks, which are symbols of Wales. St David's Day is an important day for Welsh people to celebrate their identity and culture.
4. Dydd Santes Dwynwen
Another one of Wales’ famous days. This one though is to celebrate Saint Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers. Sadly Saint Dwynwen’s love story is tragic. Her unfortunate experience with love led her to dedicate her life to God and lovers everywhere.
It’s celebrated on the 25th of January. Traditionally lovers would exchange wooden love spoons as a symbol of their love for one another.
5. Love spoons
As mentioned above, these beautiful carved wooden spoons are an old tradition. You would give a specially carved wooden love spoon to your sweetheart as a symbol of your love and dedication.
Many people assume that the carvings on a spoon are merely for decoration, however, they carry hidden meanings. For example, the symbolism of a bell is usually to celebrate a wedding or anniversary, and a dragon is a symbol of protection.
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