A Conversation for National Celebrations
Wales
Huw B Started conversation Sep 13, 2000
Due to rarely being united or self-ruling in its history of some 1500 years, Wales has no OFFICIAL national day of any kind! At the present time any official day would have to be declared by the UK parliament (NOT the Welsh National Assembly) in which the Welsh are only some 5% of the members.
March 1st/Mawrth 1af - St David's Day/Dydd Gwyl Dewi
The day that Wales's patron saint died sometime after 600 AD (and also supposedly the day of his birth).
It is traditional to hold eisteddfodau on this day, especially in schools. Local government bodies also mark the day, some by giving their staff the day off. People often wear either of Wales's 'plant' synbols, the daffodil or - usually if they're young males who like a distinct odour! - the leek. Excess drinking to celebrate the day does occur but is not common. The Welsh 'Red Dragon' flag is prominent around Wales on this day.
A number of territories around the World (including Texas) mark this day.
September 16th/Medi 16fed - Glyndwr's Day/Dydd Glyndwr
The day in 1600 that Owain Glyndwr was proclaimed ruler of Wales in front of emissaries from Scotland, France and Castille. It occurred towards the beginning of his war of independence which lasted a little over a decade.
Despite growing calls, it is not an official celebration. Few celebrations occur.
December 11th/Rhagfyr 11fed - Llywelyn's Day/Dydd Llywelyn
The day that Wales's last indigineous prince was killed in 1282.
Not official, few commemorations.
Errata
Huw B Posted Sep 17, 2000
16/9/1400 was when Owain Glyndwr declared himself Prince of Wales; he was not crowned in front of foreing emissaries until 1404.
Also, I failed to mention Dydd Santes Dwynwen/Saint Dwynwen's Day which is on the 25th of January. She is the Welsh equivalent of St. Valentine and her day is a day for lovers.
Errata
AEndr, The Mad Hatter Posted Oct 8, 2000
More errata:
"The day in 1600 that Owain Glyndwr declared himself Prince of Wales. In 1404 he later was"
um... can we have a consensus on centuries please?
Errata
Huw B Posted Oct 8, 2000
Woops! I was thinking of the 600th anniversary! The correct years are 1400 and 1404.
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