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The Welsh Dragon Flag
There is no mistaking the flag of Wales — the bright red dragon marching across a field of green is certainly distinct! This flag has been around for centuries, but it was only officially named the flag of Wales in 1959. The history behind it is fascinating, though, and speaks to why the Welsh people are so drawn to this heraldic image.
The Red Dragon of Cadwaladr
The Red Dragon of Cadwaladr has long been associated with the country. No one knows the exact origin of the red dragon, but it is possible the Romans brought it to the area when they invaded Britain during the Gallic Wars. The Historia Brittonum, a history published around 830, mentions the dragon as the symbol of Wales. The red dragon later appeared in fiction as the symbol of King Arthur and the Britons. To the Welsh, the red dragon of Merlin’s prophecy is as much a symbol of Arthur and all he stands for, as Excalibur or the Round Table are.
In Welsh poetry, it became associated with King Cadwaladr of Gwynedd, a kingdom that was located in the northwest part of Wales. While Cadwaladr was featured in poetry and reigned during two plagues that devastated his people, not much else is known about the actual king. The mythical version, however, is portrayed as a more heroic character.
His heraldic symbol of the red dragon – called the Y Ddraig Goch, in Welsh – was later taken up as a symbol of the country in 1400, when Owain Glyndwr used it as his standard during the revolt against the English crown. Ironically, King Henry V of Britain used the dragon himself just 15 years later at the Battle of Agincourt.
The Field of White and Green
Henry VII, sometimes referred to as Henry Tudor, had Welsh ancestors, and when he invaded England, he did so under the Red Dragon standard. After defeating Richard III, he personally carried the flag into St. Paul’s Cathedral and claimed the country. On the modern flag, the colours of white and green represent the colours of house Tudor.
The Flag Today
The flag of Wales is flown daily at the Senedd in Cardiff and in Whitehall at the Wales Office. The Red Dragon appears on many other things, too, such as the tail fins of Air Wales aircraft.
Own Your Own Welsh Dragon Flag!
If you are a proud citizen of Wales, let the world know it by flying your very own Welsh dragon flag from your boat! We offer four different types of the Welsh dragon flag:
Woven polyester featuring an embroidered dragon
Woven polyester double sided with a screen-printed dragon
115g Knitted polyester
100% polyester
These flags and feature the government-approved Pantone shades of red and green. These flags are designed to stand up to harsh weather, direct sunlight, and more for years of use. They can be hung from metal eyelets or by a rope and toggle. So show off your Welsh pride the next time you are out enjoying the water!
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