Wales might be a small country, but it has a huge history. Even though Wales doesn’t always get a lot of attention, its ancient contributions to history, culture, and language are pretty amazing. Here’s a peek into some of the cool stuff that comes from this charming place.
The Mysterious Standing Stones
If you’ve ever been wowed by Stonehenge, you’ll be interested to know that there’s a link to Wales. Some of the blue stones that make up this famous monument actually came from the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It’s a real mystery how these huge stones were moved over 140 miles back in ancient times. These stones were probably picked for their special meaning, showing how important Wales was in prehistoric Britain.
The Welsh Language: One of the Oldest in Europe
Welsh, or “Cymraeg” as the locals call it, is one of the oldest living languages in Europe. It goes back thousands of years and is part of the Celtic language family. Even though the language struggled over the years, it’s made a comeback in recent times. Nowadays, nearly a third of people in Wales speak Welsh, making it a cool connection to the ancient past. Fun fact: the Welsh alphabet doesn’t have the letters “J” or “K,” and places like Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch are just regular names for the locals!
The Harp: Wales’ National Instrument
The harp is the national instrument of Wales. The history of the harps dates back over a thousand years, and ancient harps were a key part of Welsh culture. Bards, or traveling storytellers, used harps to backup their poetic stories, a tradition that kept Welsh history and myths alive. Today, harp music is still celebrated, and the instrument stands for the deep connection between Wales and its musical past.
King Arthur’s Welsh Roots
Legends of King Arthur, the once and future king, are famous all over the world. Many believe that Arthur’s story has its roots in Welsh mythology. The earliest references to Arthur appear in Welsh texts, such as the “Mabinogion,”. It is a collection of medieval stories and myths. These tales shows Arthur as a warrior defending Britain against invaders. In short, it suggests that Wales might be the true home of Camelot.
The Red Dragon: A Symbol of Strength
The Welsh flag is instantly recognizable with its bold red dragon, “Y Ddraig Goch,” set against a green and white background. The dragon has ancient origins, dating back to Roman times. According to legend, the red dragon stands for the strength and resilience of the Welsh people. The flag is a proud reminder of Wales’ history and its fierce spirit.
Ancient Hillforts: The Iron Age Legacy
Scattered across the Welsh countryside are hundreds of hillforts, built during the Iron Age (around 800 BC to AD 43). These forts, such as Tre’r Ceiri in Gwynedd, were constructed as defensive settlements, offering protection and strategic vantage points. Walking through these ancient sites today gives you a tangible sense of what life might have been like for the people who lived in Wales thousands of years ago.
The Mabinogion: Ancient Tales of Wales
The “Mabinogion” is a record of Welsh folklore. That is not all. It is also one of the oldest recorded story collections in Europe. These tales combine mythology, history, and magic, painting a vivid picture of ancient Welsh life and beliefs. Stories from the “Mabinogion” include fantastical elements like shape-shifting animals, magical cauldrons, and heroic quests, showcasing the imaginative spirit of early Welsh storytellers.
The Eisteddfod: An Ancient Celebration of Art
The Eisteddfod is a Welsh tradition dating back over 800 years. It began as a gathering of poets, later, some musicians alo joined. Today, it has evolved into a grand festival celebrating Welsh culture, music, and literature. The National Eisteddfod is one of the largest cultural festivals in Europe, rooted deeply in ancient Welsh customs.
The Celtic Knotwork
Celtic knotwork is a design from ancient Wales. These designs are found in old manuscripts, carvings, and jewelry. It stands for eternity and the interconnectedness of life. While Celtic art spans across the British Isles, Wales played a key role in preserving this beautiful tradition. You can learn more about the history of Wales by trying Wales inspired games at TonyBet.