Flag of Wales

The flag of Wales, known as Y Ddraig Goch (Welsh: "The Red Dragon") or simply The Red Dragon, is one of the most recognizable and ancient national symbols. It embodies a rich history, mythology, and the resilience of the Welsh people, being a distinctive feature of their identity for centuries.

Description and Elements of Y Ddraig Goch

The flag of Wales consists of two horizontal stripes of equal width: an upper white stripe and a lower green stripe. In the center of the flag is a large red dragon, depicted in a "passant" stance (walking, with one paw raised). The exact representation of the dragon is not standardized by law, allowing artists and designers to create various yet recognizable interpretations.

• The Red Dragon: The central element of the flag, the Red Dragon, symbolizes strength, courage, protection, and antiquity. Its vibrant red color stands out against the green and white field.

• White Stripe: The upper white stripe, along with the green, represents the colors of the Tudor household, which had Welsh origins. White can also symbolize purity and peace.

• Green Stripe: The lower green stripe, also associated with the Tudors, can represent the fertile lands of Wales, its natural beauty, and hope.

Dimensions, Colors, and Arrangement of Elements

The official proportions of the Welsh flag are 3:5. The Red Dragon is centrally placed, straddling both colored stripes. As mentioned, its exact appearance may vary slightly, but it always retains its key characteristics: red color, passant pose, and all four paws, with one raised.

• Color Palette: The colors used are vibrant red for the dragon, pure white, and a rich green for the background. These colors are deeply embedded in Welsh heraldry and culture.

History of Creation and Adoption of the Flag

The history of the Red Dragon as a symbol of Wales is rooted in ancient times, combining myths, legends, and historical events:

• Early Origins and Mythology: Legends of dragons in Wales date back to time immemorial. One of the earliest mentions of a red dragon associated with the Celtic Britons (ancestors of the Welsh) is found in the "Historia Brittonum," attributed to Nennius (c. 828 AD). It recounts the prophecy of a young Merlin, who explains to King Vortigern the reason for the collapse of his fortress: two dragons, a red one symbolizing the Britons and a white one symbolizing the Saxons, were fighting beneath the earth. The red dragon was victorious, which was interpreted as a prediction of the ultimate triumph of the Britons over the Anglo-Saxons. This legend firmly linked the red dragon with the idea of independence and resistance.

• Roman Influence: Some historians suggest that the dragon symbol might have been introduced to Britain by the Romans, who used the "draco" – a cavalry standard with a dragon's head and a fabric body that billowed in the wind.

• Medieval Use: The Red Dragon was used by Welsh rulers such as Cadwaladr, King of Gwynedd in the 7th century, and Owain Glyndŵr, who raised the dragon standard in the early 15th century during his revolt for Welsh independence from England.

• Tudor Era: A significant boost in the dragon's use came during the reign of the Tudor dynasty. Henry VII, the first Tudor king, who had Welsh roots, used a banner with a red dragon on a green and white background (the colors of his livery) during the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. After his victory, he ceremoniously carried this banner to St Paul's Cathedral. The Red Dragon was added as a supporter to the Tudor royal arms, emphasizing their Welsh descent. During Henry VIII's reign, the red dragon on a green and white background became a favored emblem on Royal Navy ships.

• Official Recognition: Despite its long history of use, the official recognition of the Red Dragon as the national flag of Wales only occurred in 1959. Prior to this, in 1807, a red dragon on a green mount was adopted as the Royal Badge of Wales, and in 1953, the motto "Y Ddraig goch ddyry cychwyn" ("The red dragon gives impetus" or "The red dragon leads the way") was added to it.

Country, Region, and Adoption

The Y Ddraig Goch flag is the national flag of Wales, one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom. Unlike the flags of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the Welsh flag is not incorporated into the design of the Union Flag. This often sparks discussion and points to Wales' unique position within the UK. However, despite this, Y Ddraig Goch is an undisputed and universally recognized symbol of Wales.

Significance for Residents

The flag of Wales holds immense significance for its residents:

• National Pride and Identity: The Red Dragon is a powerful expression of Welsh national identity, pride in their unique culture, language, and history. It evokes a sense of belonging and unity among Welsh people both within the country and abroad.

• Symbol of Resistance and Independence: For centuries, the dragon has symbolized the Welsh struggle for independence and their resilience in the face of invaders. It embodies the spirit of defiance and survival that is so important to the Welsh people.

• Mythological Heritage: The dragon is closely linked to rich Welsh mythology and legends, which gives the flag a special depth and emotional connection to ancient tales.

• Unity and Community: The flag serves as a powerful symbol of unity, bringing Welsh communities together in times of celebration and adversity. It is widely displayed on national holidays, such as St David's Day, and at sporting events.

Interesting Facts

• Oldest National Flag? Some claim that the Welsh flag is the oldest national flag still in use, owing to its centuries-old history and connection to ancient Celtic traditions.

• Exclusion from the Union Flag: Wales is the only one of the four UK countries whose flag is not represented in the design of the Union Flag. This is because, by the time the first Union Flag was created (1606), Wales had already been fully annexed by England (under the Laws in Wales Acts of 1535 and 1542).

• Symbol of Leeks and Daffodils: Besides the dragon, Wales also has other national symbols: the leek (a traditional symbol associated with St David) and the daffodil (a more modern and popular symbol). The green and white colors on the flag are also associated with the leek.

• Dragon's Stance: The dragon on the flag is depicted in a "passant" stance, meaning "walking." This is one of the standard poses in heraldry.

• Debates about Design: Throughout various historical periods, there have been proposals to change the flag's design, for example, to include the cross of St David (a black flag with a gold cross), but the Red Dragon has remained the unchanging and dominant symbol.

• Royal Badge: Prior to 1959, there was a Royal Badge of Wales depicting a dragon on a green mount, surmounted by a crown. This badge was often used on flags before the adoption of the current design.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.