Misplaced Pages

#196803

127-500: In Welsh culture , an eisteddfod is an institution and festival with several ranked competitions, including in poetry and music. The term eisteddfod , which is formed from the Welsh morphemes : eistedd , meaning 'sit', and fod , meaning 'be', means, according to Hywel Teifi Edwards , "sitting-together." Edwards further defines the earliest form of the eisteddfod as a competitive meeting between bards and minstrels , in which

254-551: A "a red dragon passant standing on a mound" was made the King's badge for Wales. Following an increase in nationalism in 1953, it was proposed to add the motto Y ddraig goch ddyry cychwyn ("the red dragon takes the lead") to the flag. This was poorly received, and six years later Queen Elizabeth II intervened to put the current flag in place. It has been proposed that the flag of the United Kingdom be redesigned to include

381-684: A day, in sight and hearing of lords and commons and in the face of the sun, the eye of light, be it known that a Gorsedd and Eisteddfod will be held at the town of ----, where protections will be afforded to all who seek privilege, dignity, and license in Poetry and Minstrelsy... And thither shall come the Archdruid and the Gorsedd and others, Bards and Licensiates of the Privilege and Robe of the Bards of

508-600: A dual purpose, as it demonstrated the depth of their feelings to the beloved, and their crafting abilities (and therefore potential to generate income to look after the family) to their potential suitor's family. The earliest known dated lovespoon from Wales, displayed in the St Fagans National History Museum near Cardiff. It is believed to have been crafted in 1667, although the tradition is believed to date back long before that. The two main languages of Wales are Welsh and English . Throughout

635-534: A fairly pragmatic tolerance of public views and social styles. Though its competitions are confined solely to the Welsh language, and even though many Welsh-speaking writers and musicians prefer to have nothing to do with it, still it remains the Chief public expression of the Welsh culture's continued existence, the one occasion when a stranger can realize that the language is still creative, the traditions are not lost, and

762-569: A large cake. Some are very much like American pancakes; others may be made with yeast (called crempogau burum , sing. crempog furum ) or oatmeal (although this is also true of American pancakes) and some are like Scotch pancakes. Beer is the national drink of Wales, despite the influence of the link to temperance movement in Wales. The Wrexham Lager Beer Company was the first successful lager producer in Britain when it opened in 1882, and

889-401: A means of heightening an awareness of language and literature as humanizing forces which no society can neglect with impunity is not too large a claim to make for it." Also according to Morris, "literature is the first Welsh glory, poetry its apotheosis , and the company of poets is the nobility of this nation." According to Edwards, there is a legend that the first eisteddfod took place at

1016-487: A medieval testing-ground-cum-house of correction for professional Bards and Minstrels into a popular festival which annually highlights the literary scene with the aid of the Gorsedd. Lectures and discussions in Y Babell Lên , followed by reviews of the Cyfansoddiadau a Beirniadaethau in a variety of publications help to encourage a deeper and more abiding interest in Welsh literature. That 'The National' acts as

1143-565: A nearby hill; both agreed that the English were the victors, and Montjoie provided King Henry V, who thus earned the right to name the battle, with the name of the nearby castle. Like other officers of arms, a herald would often wear a surcoat, called a tabard , decorated with the coat of arms of his master. It was possibly due to their role in managing the tournaments of the Late Middle Ages that heralds came to be associated with

1270-406: A pattern of flower gathering from the fields. According to Morris, "Harps play. Children sing. The tension mounts, for nobody in that immense audience yet knows who is to be the recipient of all this honour. The winning poet is somewhere among them, but first he must be found." The Archdruid then asks one of the judges to comment on the winning entry and explain the reasons why it was chosen. After

1397-610: A red dragon standard with him on the Third Crusade . Both symbols were popular with Tudor kings, with Henry VII of England (Henry Tudor) adding the white and green background to the red dragon standard. It was largely forgotten by the House of Stuart , who favoured a unicorn instead. By the 17th and 18th centuries, it became common practice in Great Britain for the gentry to wear leeks on St. David's Day . In 1807,

SECTION 10

#1732765104197

1524-505: A report produced by the Welsh National Assembly's petitions committee, which reflected the arguments on both sides. Bethan Jenkins , Plaid Cymru's spokesperson on heritage, culture, sport and broadcasting, and a member of the petitions committee, said: "Cricket Wales and Glamorgan CCC say the idea of a Welsh national cricket team is 'an emotive subject'. Of course having a national team is emotive. You only have to look at

1651-676: A satirical Cywydd composed in Wrexham Gaol following the assassination of Dutch Revolt leader William the Silent by Balthasar Gérard , were discovered and published. Similar Welsh poetry in strict metre survives from other Recusant Bards of the era, such as Robert Gwin , Catrin ferch Gruffudd ap Hywel , and Gruffydd Robert . Despite their battles similar to his own against government censorship, Sir Philip Sidney , in An Apology for Poetry , expressed both admiration for and evny of

1778-433: A series of Eisteddfodau'r Almaciau , so called because they were widely advertised in the cheap almanacs that were widely available. The englynion and cywyddau composed for these events "owe more to the beery atmosphere at which they were composed than to genuine inspiration and craft." In 1734, Siôn Rhydderch organized an eisteddfod adjudicated by a panel of 12 judges at Dolgellau , but upon his arrival there

1905-401: A similarly predetermined title. According to Morris, "When Welsh poets speak of free verse , they mean forms like the sonnet or the ode , which obey the same rules as English poesy . Strict Metres verse still honours the immensely complex rules laid down for correct poetic composition 600 years ago." During these ceremonies, according to Morris, "the whole assembly seems to turn towards

2032-669: A specific major state occasions, such as a coronation . The Canadian Heraldic Authority has created the position of "Herald of Arms Emeritus" with which to honor long-serving or distinguished heraldists. In Scotland, some Scottish clan chiefs , the heads of great noble houses, still appoint private officers of arms to handle cases of heraldic or genealogical importance of clan members, although these are usually pursuivants. In addition, many orders of chivalry have heralds attached to them. These heralds may have some heraldic duties but are more often merely ceremonial in nature. Heralds which were primarily ceremonial in nature, especially after

2159-453: A symbol representing Wales, as it is the only nation in the United Kingdom not represented in the flag. The daffodil is a more recent development, becoming popular during the 19th century. It may have been linked to the leek; the Welsh for daffodil ( cenhinen Bedr ) translates as "St Peter's leek". During the 20th century, the daffodil rose to rival the prominence of the leek as a symbol of Wales. Prime Minister David Lloyd George ensured that

2286-612: A work of art, and the subjects of poetry were formalized, consisting at least until the fourteenth century mainly of eulogies and elegies. Musicians were restricted by intricate rules of composition. Poets were governed by the Twenty-Four Strict Metres of the classical Welsh tradition. Among the Cymry Cymraeg the Metres still prevail." According to Hywel Teifi Edwards, "The Eisteddfod, then, has evolved from

2413-568: A year in total. Herald Heralds were originally messengers sent by monarchs or noblemen to convey messages or proclamations —in this sense being the predecessors of modern diplomats . In the Hundred Years' War , French heralds challenged King Henry V to fight. During the Battle of Agincourt , the English herald and the French herald, Montjoie, watched the battle together from

2540-511: Is annually awarded in three categories; Fine Art, Architecture, and Craft and Design. Furthermore, the National Eisteddfod's open exhibition of art and craft, Y Lle Celf ('The Art Space') is one of the highlights of the calendar for Welsh artists. According to Jan Morris, "Welsh creativity is unusually disciplined, for since the earliest times the Welsh artistic tradition has been governed by codes and conventions – perhaps since

2667-720: Is based at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay , while the National Youth Orchestra of Wales was the first of its type in the world. Wales has had a number of successful singers. In the 1960s, these included bands such as Amen Corner and The Iveys/ Badfinger and singers including Sir Tom Jones , Dame Shirley Bassey and Mary Hopkin . By the 1980s, indie pop and alternative rock bands such as The Alarm , The Pooh Sticks and The Darling Buds were popular in their genres. But

SECTION 20

#1732765104197

2794-401: Is internationally renowned; Welsh lamb, Welsh cakes, and dishes such as bara brith remain exports synonymous with quality and flavour. Some say that some other Welsh dishes are said to be similar to English cuisine in style. However, there are regional variations in the food seen across Wales, which can be traced historically to the availability of certain crops and produce in specific areas of

2921-399: Is largely unregulated but includes some news from regulated sources. Over fifty national governing bodies regulate and organise their sports in Wales. Most of those involved in competitive sports select, organise and manage individuals or teams to represent their country at international events or fixtures against other countries. Wales is represented at major world sporting events such as

3048-477: Is not more notable in the soon beginning, then in long continuing." Likely due to the continued existence of Recusant Bards, the 1567 and 1568 Caerwys eisteddfodau were patronized by the Queen, so that, "all or every person or persons that intend to maintain their living by name or colour of Minstrelsy, rhymers, or bards... shall.. shew their learning thereby", and overseen by the officials of her Council of Wales and

3175-413: Is raised faintly resisting to his feet, and out to the aisle, and away up to the platform escorted by Druids. The organ blazes a grand march, the gathering rises to its feet, the cameras whirr, and the bard is throned upon his Bardic throne, attended by elves and trumpeters and druids, in a haze of medallions, oaken wands, gleaming accoutrements and banners talismanically inscribed. Gently he is seated upon

3302-584: Is rather like a military encampment. All its tents and pavilions are erected around a big central space, the Maes , or Field, which is usually scuffed and slippery with mud by the end of the week." Morris continues, "Most institutions of modern Wales are represented on the Maes , Gas Board to University of Wales Press, the genteel Society for the Protection of Rural Wales to the fiery Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg

3429-463: Is the only Welsh participant in the England and Wales County Championship. Plaid Cymru have argued that Wales should have its own international team and withdraw from the existing arrangement under which Welsh players play for England. The proposal has aroused opposition from Cricket Wales and Glamorgan County Cricket Club, who argue such a move would be financially disastrous. The debate focused on

3556-465: Is then driven fully back into its sheath, and is never drawn again until the next eisteddfod the following year. "Green clad elves come dancing in", escorting a young local married woman, who presents the Horn of Plenty to the Archdruid and urges him to drink of the 'wine of welcome'. A young girl presents him with a basket of 'flowers from the land and soil of Wales' and a floral dance is performed, based on

3683-563: Is then rolled into a sausage shape before frying. Laverbread is made using a purée of seaweed, and is traditionally served in a Welsh breakfast. Welsh cakes are made on a bakestone , and are small round spiced cakes containing raisins , sultanas and occasionally currants . Bara brith contains similar ingredients to Welsh cakes, but is similar to a tea bread . The Welsh have their own versions of pancakes : crempogau (sing. crempog ) (sometimes called ffroes , sing. ffroesen ) are traditionally layered on top of each other to form

3810-521: The Pabell Lên , the Literary Tent, poets mutter couplets to themselves, or exchange bitter Bardic complaints." However, the most important events at any eisteddfod are the chairing of the bard who has written the best awdl , or poem in strict meter , based on a title chosen by the judges, and the crowning of the bard who has written the best pryddest , or poem in free verse , with

3937-895: The 1999 tournament . The five professional sides that replaced the traditional club sides in major competitions in 2003 were in turn replaced in 2004 by the four regions: Scarlets ; Cardiff Blues ; Newport Gwent Dragons ; and the Ospreys . The Welsh regional teams play in the Pro14 league, the Anglo-Welsh Cup (LV Cup), the European Heineken Cup and the European (Amlin) Challenge Cup . Wales has had its own association football league since 1992. For historical and other reasons, four Welsh clubs ( Cardiff City , Swansea City , Wrexham , and Newport County ) play in

Eisteddfod - Misplaced Pages Continue

4064-538: The Dublin -born King of Gwynedd from the House of Aberffraw and the descendant of Rhodri Mawr , Sigtrygg Silkbeard , and Brian Boru , not only reformed the Welsh bardic schools to accord with those that trained the Irish language bards, but also served as patron to an eisteddfod at Caerwys during his reign. The first documented eisteddfod was hosted by Rhys ap Gruffydd , the grandson of Gruffudd ap Cynan through

4191-768: The Early Medieval period, the Celtic Christianity of Wales participated in the Insular art of the British Isles and a number of illuminated manuscripts possibly of Welsh origin survive, of which the 8th century Hereford Gospels and Lichfield Gospels are the most notable. The 11th century Ricemarch Psalter (now in Dublin ) is certainly Welsh, made in St David's , and shows a late Insular style with unusual Viking influence. The best of

4318-530: The English Football League . Another Welsh club plays in English football's feeder leagues: Merthyr Town . This also qualifies those teams to compete for England's domestic trophies. On 23 April 1927, Cardiff City became the only team outside England to win the FA Cup . In European football competitions, only teams playing in the Welsh leagues are eligible to play for Wales. The five teams in

4445-734: The FIFA World Cup , the Rugby World Cup and the Commonwealth Games . At the Olympic Games , Welsh athletes compete alongside those of Scotland, England and Northern Ireland as part of a Great Britain team. Rugby union is seen as a symbol of Welsh identity and an expression of national consciousness. The Welsh national rugby union team takes part in the annual Six Nations Championship and has also competed in every Rugby World Cup , with Wales hosting

4572-605: The Felinfoel Brewery was the first brewery in Europe to put beer in cans. Whisky production in Wales was historically a niche industry, and completely shut down in 1910 when the last distillery was bought out by a Scottish firm. However, the Penderyn distillery produced the first Wales-created whisky in a century to go on sale when it was launched in 2004. There are 20 Welsh vineyards producing 100,000 bottles of wine

4699-519: The Hebrew and Greek original Bibles, while also consulting the English Bishops ' and Geneva translations. Y Beibl cyssegr-lan , as it was called, also included original translations as well as adaptations of William Salesbury 's Welsh New Testament . No other book in the Welsh language has been anywhere near as influential in linguistic or literary terms. Bishop Morgan skillfully moulded

4826-592: The Middle Welsh literary language of the medieval bards ( Yr Heniaith , or 'the old language') into the Elizabethan-era Cymraeg Llenyddol ('literary Welsh') still in use today. Even though there is a major difference between Cymraeg Llenyddol and all 21st century spoken dialects of the Welsh language, eisteddfod submissions are still required to be composed in the literary language of Bishop Morgan's Bible, which remains

4953-1118: The Puy of France, the Meistersingers of the Holy Roman Empire , or the Rederijkerskamers of the Netherlands , all of which also organized eisteddfod-like contests between poets on patronal feast days of the Roman Catholic liturgical year . The Lord Rhys, Turvey suggested, may have learned about the Puy tradition from the Cambro-Normans in the Welsh Marches or from Welsh mercenary soldiers returning from France. When asked about Turvey's theory, recognized eisteddfod historian Hywel Teifi Edwards said, "It's conjecture, but there's no doubt that there

5080-529: The Roman era of occupation, a number of small kingdoms arose in what is now Wales. These early kingdoms were influenced by Ireland; however, details prior to the 8th century AD are unclear. Kingdoms during that era included Gwynedd , Powys and Deheubarth . While Rhodri the Great in the 9th century was the first ruler to dominate a large portion of Wales, it was not until 1055 that Gruffydd ap Llywelyn united

5207-639: The Welsh Language Society . There are shops selling harps , and comic stickers, and Lol the lewd and racy student magazine, and pottery, and evangelical tracts, and lots and lots of books." Also according to Morris, "the Eisteddfod is essentially competitive: there are competitions for penillion , and englynion , and male voice choirs, and poems in strict meter , and poems in free metre , and essays, and translations, and plays, and short stories." Also, according to Morris, "outside

Eisteddfod - Misplaced Pages Continue

5334-410: The dragon , the daffodil and the leek . A story of soldiers wearing the leek during battle to make it easier to identify them is recounted in the 17th century, attributed to Saint David . The earliest certain reference of the leek as a Welsh emblem was when Princess Mary , daughter of Henry VIII , was presented with a leek by the yeoman of the guard on Saint David's Day in 1537 . The colours of

5461-400: The sheep as a national emblem , due to the 3 million people in the country being vastly outnumbered by some 10 million sheep and the nation's reliance on sheep farming . The importance of sheep farming led to the creation of the Welsh sheepdog . Welsh lovespoons are traditionally crafted wooden spoons which a suitor would give to his beloved. The more intricacies of the design served

5588-671: The test card . In 1958, responsibility for programming in Wales fell to Television Wales and the West , although Welsh language broadcasting was mainly served by the Manchester-based Granada company, producing about an hour a week. On 1 November 1982, S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru) was launched bringing together the BBC , HTV and other independent producers to provide an initial service of 22 hours of Welsh-language television. The digital switchover in Wales of 2009-2010 meant that

5715-399: The 1450 Carmarthen eisteddfod and was widely adopted by bards throughout Wales. The consequence of Dafydd's reforms was that greater emphasis was placed by the bardic elite upon adhering to the stricter metres rather than to the theme or content of their poetry. Until this time, the training of Welsh poets had always been a secret, with the craft handed down from teacher to apprentice, but, as

5842-431: The 1700s, the award of an armchair immediately changed the social class of a winning bard. In 1701, an eisteddfod was held at Machynlleth in order, "To begin to renew the eisteddfod of bards (as they were in olden times), to reprimand false cynghanedd , to explain the difficult things, and to confirm what is correct in the art of poetry in the Welsh language." The 1701 eisteddfod was followed, according to Edwards, by

5969-591: The 2011 census. The Presbyterian Church of Wales was for many years the largest denomination; it was born out of the Welsh Methodist revival in the 18th century and seceded from the Church of England in 1811; The Church in Wales had an average Sunday attendance of 32,171 in 2012. It forms part of the Anglican Communion , and was also part of the Church of England , but was disestablished by

6096-575: The 21st century, Bullet For My Valentine were named the Best British Band at the Kerrang! Awards for three years running. Other successful bands from this period include Funeral For A Friend , and Lostprophets . Television is the most common source of news in Wales, used by 75% of people, with radio used by 43%, 33% using printed newspapers and 31% using websites and apps. In 2020, 46% of people gained their news from social media, which

6223-511: The 80s bands and the emergence of a Welsh language and dual language music scene locally in Wales led to a dramatic shift in opinion across the United Kingdom as the " Cool Cymru " bands of the period emerged. The leading Welsh band during this period was the Manic Street Preachers , whose 1996 album Everything Must Go has been listed among the greatest albums of all time. Some of those bands have had ongoing success, while

6350-611: The British Government in 1920 under the Welsh Church Act 1914 . Non-Christian religions have relatively few followers in Wales, with Muslims making up 1.5% of the population while Hindus and Buddhists represent 0.3% each in the 2011 census. Over 32% of the population in Wales did not note a religion. Research in 2007 by the Tearfund organisation showed that Wales had the lowest average church attendance in

6477-501: The Chair which is itself his prize, and he is proclaimed a champion: not because he won a war or a football game or even an election, but because he is judged by wise men of his nation to have composed a worthy cywydd concerning the nature of clouds." To win the chair or the crown competitions, particularly at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, grants even previously unknown poets and writers enormous publicity and prestige. The winner of

SECTION 50

#1732765104197

6604-562: The Druids, relying as they did entirely upon their memories, drew up rules of composition to make it easier for themselves. In the Wales of the Independence the Bards and Harpers were institutionalized, with their own allotted places in society, their established functions to perform. They regarded poetry and music as professions, for the practice of which one must qualify, like a lawyer or a doctor. There were agreed measurements of value for

6731-522: The English leagues are eligible to represent England only, and they are not allowed to compete for domestic Welsh trophies. In international cricket , Wales and England field a single representative team, administered by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), called the England cricket team , or simply "England". Occasionally, a separate Wales national cricket team plays in limited-overs competitions, mainly against English county teams. Glamorgan

6858-623: The Grand Pavilion, claimed to be the largest movable structure in the world. Multitudes jam its doors then, as cameras swing about its gantries, and the worthies of the Gorsedd of the Isle of Britain, robed in green, white, and blue, are unloaded from buses at its entrance." Before the Archdruid of the Gorsedd reveals the identity of the winning poet, the Corn Gwlad (a trumpet) blares to the east, west, north, and south to symbolically call

6985-451: The Isle of Britain, there to hold judgment of Chair and Gorsedd on Music and Poetry concerning the muse , conduct, and learning of all that may come to seek the National Eisteddfod honours, according to the privilege and customs of the Gorsedd of Bards of the Isle of Britain: According to Jan Morris , "The Eisteddfod Genedlaethol flourishes as never before, having matured from cranky antiquarianism through rigid chapel respectability to

7112-610: The London-based Gwyneddigion Society . It was later co-opted by the Gorsedd Cymru , a secret society of poets, writers, and musicians founded by Iolo Morganwg , whose beliefs were "a compound of Christianity and Druidism, Philosophy and Mysticism." Despite the Druidic influences and the demonstrably fictitious nature of Iolo Morganwg's doctrines, rituals, and ceremonies, both the Gorsedd and

7239-435: The Marches . By royal decree, only Welsh bards licensed by the officials of the Queen were permitted to compete. At the eisteddfod held in Caerwys in 1568, the prizes awarded were a miniature silver chair to the winning poet, a little silver crwth to the winning fiddler, a silver tongue to the best singer, and a tiny silver harp to the best harpist. The chief chaired bard of the event was Robert Davies (from Nant-glyn ) and

7366-433: The National Eisteddfod but provides an opportunity for the singers and musicians of the world to perform. Traditional music and dance in Wales is supported by many societies. The Welsh Folk Song Society has published a number of collections of songs and tunes. Male choirs (sometimes called male voice choirs), which emerged in the 19th century, have remained a lasting tradition in Wales. Originally these choirs were formed as

7493-413: The Pope. The letter sets out the ambitions of Glyndŵr of an independent Wales with its own parliament, led by himself as Prince of Wales. These ambitions also included the return of the traditional law of Hywel Dda , rather than the enforced English law, establishment of an independent Welsh church as well as two universities, one in south Wales, and one in north Wales. National symbols of Wales include

7620-411: The Silver Chair. Dafydd ab Edmwnd's cywydd exemplified the 24 strict metres of Welsh poetry , previously codified by Einion Offeiriad and Dafydd Ddu o Hiraddug , as Dafydd ab Edmwnd had personally reformed them. He deleted two metres and replaced them with the more complicated Gorchest y Beirdd and the Cadwynfyr . The reform of the 24 metres presented by Dafydd was formally accepted at

7747-508: The Statute further stated that a true bard must never write satirical poetry and codified the rules of praise poetry at a time when the Welsh bardic tradition of was increasingly under threat and, "demanded that the bard celebrate in elevated language the orderliness of a God-centered world." Queen Elizabeth I of England commanded that Welsh bards be examined and licensed by officials of the Crown, who had alleged that those whom they considered genuine bards were, "much discouraged to travail in

SECTION 60

#1732765104197

7874-551: The UK, with 12% of the population routinely attending. The patron saint of Wales is Saint David , Dewi Sant in Welsh. St. David's Day is celebrated on 1 March, which some people argue should be designated a public holiday in Wales. Other days which have been proposed for national public commemorations are 16 September (the day on which Owain Glyndŵr 's rebellion began) and 11 December (the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd ). The traditional seasonal festivals in Wales are: Many works of Celtic art have been found in Wales. In

8001-552: The United Kingdom heralds are still called upon at times to read proclamations publicly; for which they still wear tabards emblazoned with the royal coat of arms . There are active official heralds today in several countries, including the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Canada, and the Republic of South Africa. In England and Scotland most heralds are full-time employees of the sovereign and are called "Heralds of Arms in Ordinary". Temporary appointments can be made of "Heralds of Arms Extraordinary". These are often appointed for

8128-403: The United Kingdom started in 1936 as a public service which was free of advertising, but did not arrive in Wales until the opening of the Wenvoe transmitter in August 1952. Initially all programmes were in the English language, although under the leadership of Welsh director and controller Alun Oldfield-Davies , occasional Welsh language programmes were broadcast during closed periods, replacing

8255-468: The Welsh culture." In some other countries, the term eisteddfod is used for performing arts competitions that have nothing to do with Welsh culture or the Welsh language. In other cases, however, the eisteddfod tradition has been adapted into other cultures as part of the ongoing fight to preserve endangered languages such as Irish , Cornish , Breton , Scottish Gaelic , Canadian Gaelic , Guernésiais , and Jèrriais . As decreed by Iolo Morganwg during

8382-620: The Welsh market to support themselves until well into the 20th century. An Act of Parliament in 1854 provided for the establishment of a number of art schools throughout the United Kingdom, and the Cardiff School of Art opened in 1865. Graduates still very often had to leave Wales to work, but Betws-y-Coed became a popular centre for artists, and its artists' colony helped form the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art in 1881. The sculptor Sir William Goscombe John made many works for Welsh commissions, although he had settled in London. Christopher Williams , whose subjects were mostly resolutely Welsh,

8509-415: The art of film and creative movies made in Wales or by Welsh filmmakers either locally or abroad. Welsh cinema began in the late-19th century, led by Welsh-based director William Haggar . Wales continued to produce film of varying quality throughout the 20th century, in both the Welsh and English languages, though indigenous production was curtailed through a lack of infrastructure and finance, which prevented

8636-493: The bardic chair and crown at the National Eisteddfod both receive the lifelong title prifardd ('chief-bard'). For the same poet to win both the chair and the crown at the same eisteddfod is almost unheard of, but Alan Llwyd and Donald Evans have both succeeded at doing so twice. According to Hywel Teifi Edwards , the ceremony of presenting the Prose Medal  [ cy ] , which has been awarded since 1937, has progressively grown in importance, "but still trails far in

8763-431: The bards "were the leading upholders of the belief that a hierarchical social structure, 'the heritage and tradition of an ancient aristocracy', were the necessary precondition of civilized life and that there were deep philosophical roots to this belief." The next eisteddfod that is historically documented is the 1451 Carmarthen eisteddfod. In 1523, an eisteddfod was held at Caerwys under King Henry VIII 's charter and

8890-538: The centuries, the Welsh language has been a central factor in the concept of Wales as a nation. Figures released by the Office of National Statistics taken from the 2011 census , show that Welsh is spoken by 19% of the population. Before the Roman occupation, the dominant religion in Wales was a pagan one, led by the druids . Little is known about the traditions and ceremonies, but Tacitus , whose claims were sometimes exaggerated, stated that they performed human sacrifice : he says that in AD 61, an altar on Anglesey

9017-430: The conquest of Wales by English forces. The Tudors of Penmynydd grew in power and influence during the 13th to 15th centuries, first owning land in north Wales, but losing it after Maredudd ap Tudur backed the uprising of Owain Glyndŵr in 1400. Maredudd's son, Owain ap Maredudd ap Tudur, anglicised his name to become Owen Tudor , and was the grandfather of Henry Tudor. Henry took the throne of England in 1485, at

9144-618: The country. The cuisine of Gower is particularly different to the rest of Wales. It was strongly influenced by Somerset and Devon , and developed dishes such as whitepot while ingredients such as pumpkin were used, which are unusual in the rest of Wales. Cattle farming produces the majority of Wales' agricultural output. Welsh beef is protected under European Union law , meaning that it must be produced and slaughtered in Wales. Welsh pigs are raised, providing good cuts of meat. The mountainous areas of Wales are suited to sheep farming and this has led to an association of their meat with

9271-450: The country. The mutton of Wales has been popular in the rest of the United Kingdom since the 16th century, and by the end of the 20th century there were more than 11 million sheep in Wales. Several Welsh dishes are thought of as Welsh because their ingredients are associated with Wales, whereas others have been developed there. Cawl is regarded as the Welsh national dish; it is a slow-cooked meat and vegetable broth. Traditionally it

9398-626: The country. These were often located near clay beds, for ease of resource gathering. Buckley and Ewenny became leading areas of pottery production in Wales during the 17th and 18th centuries; these are applied as generic terms to different potters within those areas during this period. South Wales had several notable potteries during that same period, an early exponent being the Cambrian Pottery (1764–1870, also known as " Swansea pottery"). The works from Cambrian attempted to imitate those of Wedgwood . Nantgarw Pottery , near Cardiff,

9525-473: The daffodil had a place in the investiture of Edward, Prince of Wales . The traditional Welsh costume and Welsh hat were well known during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Princess Alexandrina Victoria (later Queen Victoria) had a hat made for her when she visited Wales in 1832. The hat was popularised by Sydney Curnow Vosper 's 1908 painting Salem , but by then its use had declined. Welsh people may sometimes engage in gentle self-mockery and claim

9652-506: The decree. During the Queen's ongoing religious persecution of the Catholic Church in England and Wales , many Welsh Pencerddau ('head bards') were, according to the report, acting as the secret emissaries of Recusants in the Welsh nobility and were helping those nobles spread the news about secret Catholic masses and pilgrimages . This was no idle claim. When Welsh Recusant, schoolmaster, and unlicensed bard Richard Gwyn

9779-491: The disembowelling, until his head was severed. His last words, in Welsh, were reportedly " Iesu, trugarha wrthyf " ('Jesus, have mercy on me'). Richard Gwyn was canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales . His feast day is celebrated on 17 October. Following Catholic Emancipation in 1829, six works of Christian poetry in the Welsh language by Richard Gwyn, five carols and

9906-511: The eisteddfod revival were embraced and spread widely by Anglican and nonconformist clergy. The revival therefore proved enormously successful and is credited as one of the primary reasons for the continued survival of the Welsh language , Welsh literature , and Welsh culture after more than eight centuries of colonialism. During his two 20th-century terms as Archdruid of the Gorsedd Cymru , Albert Evans-Jones , whose bardic name

10033-553: The eisteddfod the Cadair Arian ('Silver Chair'), which is said to have been fashioned by Gruffudd ap Nicolas himself, was won by a cywydd in honour of the Holy Trinity composed by Dafydd ab Edmwnd , a Welsh poet who did not depend on noble patronage, from Hanmer , Flintshire. Welsh poet and Roman Catholic priest Llawdden , however, accused Gruffudd ap Nicolas of accepting a bribe from Dafydd ab Edmwnd in return for

10160-755: The end of the Wars of the Roses , when his forces defeated those of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field . Under Henry VIII , the Laws in Wales Acts 1535-1542 were passed. The distinction between the Principality of Wales and the Marches of Wales was ended. The law of England became the only law of Wales which was then administered by justices of the peace that were appointed in every Welsh county. Wales

10287-463: The exercise and practice of their knowledge and also not a little hindered in their living and preferments." Unlicensed bards, according to Hywel Teifi Edwards, "would be put to some honest work." Although Edwards has compared the unlicensed bards of the era with, "today's abusers of the Social security system," historian Philip Caraman quotes a 1575 "Report on Wales" that reveals an additional reason for

10414-569: The few Welsh artists of the 16th–18th centuries tended to move elsewhere to work, but in the 18th century the dominance of landscape art in English art motivated them to stay at home, and brought an influx of artists from outside to paint Welsh scenery. The Welsh painter Richard Wilson (1714–1782) is arguably the first major British landscapist, but rather more notable for Italian scenes than Welsh ones, although he did paint several on visits from London. It remained difficult for artists relying on

10541-527: The foundation upon which all subsequent Welsh literature has been built. According to Marcus Tanner, Queen Elizabeth I's experiment at royal patronage of the eisteddfod did not catch on and, as the 16th and 17th centuries progressed, the Welsh nobility became increasingly Anglicized and ceased to grant employment or hospitality to Welsh-language poets. Although eisteddfodau continued, the gatherings became more informal; Welsh poets would often meet in taverns, cemeteries, or inns to have "assemblies of rhymers". But

10668-612: The general popularity of Welsh music during this period led to a resurgence of singers such as Tom Jones with his album Reload . It was his first non-compilation number one album since 1968's Delilah . Meanwhile, Shirley Bassey reached the top 20 once more in the UK Charts with her collaboration with the Propellerheads on the single " History Repeating ". They also introduced new acts, such as Catatonia's Owen Powell working with Duffy during her early period. Moving into

10795-419: The growth of the industry nationally. Despite this, Wales has been represented in all fields of the film making process, producing actors and directors of note. Wales is often referred to as "the land of song", and is notable for its harpists, male choirs, and solo artists. The principal Welsh festival of music and poetry is the annual National Eisteddfod . The Llangollen International Eisteddfod echoes

10922-465: The idea that Wales should be a modern self-determining state has only been mooted since the mid-18th century. In 1406 Owain Glyndŵr set out a vision of Welsh independence in his Pennal letter, sent to Charles VI King of France. The letter requested maintained military support from the French to fend off the English in Wales. Glyndŵr suggested that in return, he would recognise Benedict XIII of Avignon as

11049-571: The individual Welsh kingdoms and began to annex parts of England. Gruffydd was killed, possibly in crossfire by his own men, on 5 August 1063 while Harold Godwinson sought to engage him in battle. This was just over three years before the Norman invasion of England , which led to a drastic change of fortune for Wales. By 1070, the Normans had already seen successes in their invasion of Wales , with Gwent fallen and Deheubarth plundered. The invasion

11176-480: The interest of the Welsh people dwindled to such a point that the eisteddfod held at Glamorgan in 1620 attracted an audience of only four people. The winners, however, continued to receive a chair, which was a highly prized award because of its perceived social status. Throughout the medieval period, high-backed chairs with arm rests were reserved for royalty and high-status leaders in military, religious, or political affairs. As most ordinary people sat on stools until

11303-406: The judge does so, the Archdruid thanks the judge for his or her, "excellent adjudication". The Archdruid then announces that if the poet or writer whose awdl , pryddest , or essay was submitted under a certain pen name is present, then he or she is stand up. According to Morris, "the poet has really known for some time that he is the winner, but he pretends a proper astonishment anyway, and

11430-470: The late 18th century, each eisteddfod is proclaimed a year and a day prior to its opening day, by a herald from the Gorsedd Cymru . The proclamation is to read as follows, "When the year of Our Lord ----, and the period of the Gorsedd of the Bards of Britain within the summer solstice , after summons and invitation to all to all of Wales through the Gorsedd Trumpet, under warning of a year and

11557-576: The leek were used for the uniforms of soldiers under Edward I of England . The Red Dragon standard was most likely introduced to the British Isles by Roman troops who in turn had acquired it from the Dacians . It may also have been a reference to the 6th century Welsh word draig , which meant "dragon". The standard was appropriated by the Normans during the 11th century, and used for the Royal Standard of Scotland . Richard I of England took

11684-497: The loyalty of the Welsh to their origins is not dissipated. Honorary membership in the Gorsedd is still the only honour the Welsh nation can bestow upon its sons and daughters, and in a key and of back-handed symbolism, the British Government 's Secretary of State for Wales is generally invited to open the festival's proceedings (generally having to learn a few words of Welsh in order to do so). The Eisteddfod in full fig

11811-462: The maternal line and monarch of Deheubarth through his paternal descent from the House of Dinefwr , at Cardigan Castle on Christmas Day, 1176. According to Hywel Teifi Edwards, what few details are recorded of the event in the Brut y Tywysogion , "encourage the view that it could not have been the first of its kind." Rhys awarded two chairs as prizes, one for the winner of the poetry competition and

11938-414: The monks and abbots of monasteries such as Strata Florida and Valle Crucis Abbey for both hospitality and patronage in return for praise poetry . Davies adds, however, that, "in a notable article", Welsh nationalist and traditional Catholic writer Saunders Lewis argued that the Welsh bards of the era, "were expressing in their poetry a love for a stable, deep-rooted civilization." Lewis added that

12065-568: The oldest theatre still in operation in Wales, was built during the 19th century and originally operated as the Assembly Rooms. Other theatres opened over the following decades, with Cardiff's Theatre Royal opening in 1827. After a fire, a replacement Theatre Royal opened in 1878. Competition for theatres led to further buildings being constructed, such as the New Theatre, Cardiff , which opened on 10 December 1906. Television in

12192-694: The other for music. The bardic chair went to a poet from Gwynedd , while the musical chair went to the son of Eilon the Crythwr, a member of Rhys's court. Armchairs were a valuable asset, normally reserved for people of high status. In 2007, Welsh historian Roger Turvey, writing of Dinefwr Castle , suggested that The Lord Rhys' idea for a competitive festival of music and poetry at Cardigan Castle may have been inspired by similar contests in other parts of Catholic Europe . In those other countries, aspiring poets were trained through apprenticeship to master craftsmen or by attending schools run by poets' guilds such as

12319-502: The other nations of the United Kingdom, Wales has its own distinct traditions and culture, and from the late 19th century onwards, Wales acquired its popular image as the "land of song", in part due to the eisteddfod tradition. Wales has been identified as having been inhabited by humans for some 230,000 years, as evidenced by the discovery of a Neanderthal at the Bontnewydd Palaeolithic site in north Wales. After

12446-526: The pages of Tolkien 's The Lord of the Rings ." Since its 18th-century revival, the eisteddfod tradition has been carried all over the world by the Welsh diaspora . Today's eisteddfodau (plural form) and the National Eisteddfod of Wales in particular, are in equal parts a Renaissance fair , a Celtic festival , a musical festival , a literary festival , and "the supreme exhibition of

12573-663: The people together from the four corners of Wales. The Gorsedd Prayer is then recited. Flanked by his fellow members of the Gorsedd in ceremonial Neo-Druidic robes, as well as the Herald, the Recorder, and the Swordbearer, the Archdruid partially withdraws the Great Sword from its sheath three times, and asks, " A oes heddwch ?" ('Is there peace?'), to which the assembly replies, " Heddwch " ('Peace'). The Great Sword

12700-651: The poet Dylan Thomas and poet and artist Vernon Watkins in Swansea, which also included the painter Alfred Janes . Amgueddfa Cymru houses Welsh pottery made in Swansea and Llanelli between 1764 and 1922, in addition to porcelain made at Swansea and Nantgarw between 1813 and 1826. Several further sites can be identified through their place names, for example Pwllcrochan (a hamlet near Milford Haven estuary in Pembrokeshire ), which translates to Crock Pool, and archaeology has also revealed former kiln sites across

12827-400: The poetry of the professional bards became increasingly incomprehensible, less complex and more popularly oriented works of Welsh poetry began to be composed by bards with humbler origins and less formal training. According to John Davies , a team of researchers led by Dafydd Bowen has demonstrated that the Welsh bards of the 15th century were completely dependent upon the Welsh nobility and

12954-593: The prestige that poets enjoyed in Welsh culture , which he contrasted with what he described as the Elizabethan era tendency in English culture to treat poets as unwanted stepchildren, "In Wales, the true remnant of the ancient Brittons, as there are good authorities to show, the long time they had poets which they called Bards: so through all the conquests of Romans , Saxons , Danes , and Normans , some of whom, did seek to ruin all memory of learning from among them, yet do their poets even to this day last: so as it

13081-837: The previously bilingual Channel 4 split into S4C, broadcasting exclusively in Welsh and Channel 4 broadcasting exclusively in English. The decision by Julie Gardner , Head of Drama for BBC Wales, to film and produce the 2005 revived version of Doctor Who in Wales is widely seen as a bellwether moment for the industry for the nation. This in turn was followed by the opening of the Roath Lock production studios in Cardiff . Recent English language programmes that have been filmed in Wales include Sherlock and His Dark Materials , while other popular series, such as Hinterland ( Y Gwyll ) and Keeping Faith ( Un Bore Mercher ) have been filmed in both Welsh and English. The Cinema of Wales comprises

13208-412: The regulation of the knights' coats of arms . Heralds have been employed by kings and large landowners, principally as messengers and ambassadors. Heralds were required to organise, announce and referee the contestants at a tournament. This practice of heraldry became increasingly important and further regulated over the years, and in several countries around the world it is still overseen by heralds. In

13335-512: The royal behest of Maelgwn Gwynedd at Conwy during the 6th century. It was Maelgwn's wish that the assembled bards and minstrels would compete against each other. First, however, Maelgwn decreed that they must all swim the River Conwy first and that the minstrels must do so carrying the harps on their backs. For this reason, the bards, whom Maelgwn favoured, ended up winning the contest. According to legend, Gruffudd ap Cynan (1055–1137),

13462-468: The second being " Twm o'r Nant ". The official Anglican translation of the Bible into the Welsh language , which continues to have an enormous influence on the Welsh poetry submitted to the eisteddfodau, saw its first publication in 1588. The translator, Reverend William Morgan , was a Cambridge graduate and later became Anglican Bishop of Llandaff and St Asaph . He based his Biblical translation on

13589-538: The stands during any national game to see that. To suggest this as anything other than natural is a bit of a misleading argument." In their strategic plan, Cricket Wales state they are "committed to continuing to play a major role within the ECB" Wales has produced several world-class participants in individual sports, including snooker players Ray Reardon , Terry Griffiths , Mark Williams and Matthew Stevens . Successful track athletes include miler Jim Alford who

13716-547: The tenor and bass sections of chapel choirs, and embraced the popular secular hymns of the day. Many of the historic Welsh choirs survive, singing a mixture of traditional and popular songs. Traditional instruments of Wales include telyn deires ( triple harp ), fiddle , crwth , pibgorn (hornpipe) and other instruments. The Cerdd Dant Society promotes its specific singing art primarily through an annual one-day festival. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales performs in Wales and internationally. The Welsh National Opera

13843-569: The throne for the House of Stuart ; his great-grandmother was Margaret Tudor . Welsh nationalism ( Welsh : Cenedlaetholdeb Cymreig ) emphasises the distinctiveness of Welsh language , culture, and history , and calls for more self-determination for Wales , which might include more devolved powers for the Senedd or full independence from the United Kingdom . While a sense of nationhood has existed within Wales for over 1500 years,

13970-513: The wake of the Chairing and Crowning. The poet is not to be upstaged by novelist, short-story writer, autobiographer, biographer, or what have you. All attempts to transfer the Crown from poetry to prose have been forestalled, the poets rallying to the defense of what is 'rightfully' theirs with the cry of, 'What we have, we hold.'" At the National Eisteddfod, a Gold Medal ( Welsh : Medal Aur )

14097-547: The wider art world. Ceri Richards was very engaged in the Welsh art scene as a teacher in Cardiff, and even after moving to London; he was a figurative painter in international styles including Surrealism . Various artists have moved to Wales, including Eric Gill , the London-born Welshman David Jones , and the sculptor Jonah Jones . The Kardomah Gang was an intellectual circle centred on

14224-531: The wider view at the time was that the wider Welsh music scene was stagnant, as the more popular musicians from Wales were from earlier eras. In the 1990s, in England, the Britpop scene was emerging, while in Wales, bands such as Y Cyrff and Ffa Coffi Pawb began to sing in English, starting a culture that would lead to the creation of Catatonia and the Super Furry Animals . The influence of

14351-620: The winner was chosen by a noble or royal patron. The first documented instance of such a literary festival and competition took place under the patronage of Prince Rhys ap Gruffudd of the House of Dinefwr at Cardigan Castle in 1176. However, with the Edwardian Conquest of Wales , the closing of the bardic schools, and the Anglicization of the Welsh nobility , it fell into abeyance. The current format owes much to an 18th-century revival, first patronized and overseen by

14478-533: Was Cynan and who was a war poet and minister of the Presbyterian Church of Wales , created new rituals for both the Gorsedd and the eisteddfod which are based upon the Christian beliefs of the Welsh people rather than upon Modern Druidry . After watching the initiation of Rowan Williams into the Gorsedd at the 2002 National Eisteddfod, Marcus Tanner wrote that the rituals "seemed culled from

14605-431: Was a bardic tradition of competition for status before this time." Edwards further stated that any foreign influence was an indication of how very cosmopolitan Medieval Wales had been. "It's a sign of a healthy culture to accept – and marry with – other cultures," he added. The next large-scale eisteddfod that is historically known is the three-month-long 1450 eisteddfod at Carmarthen Castle under Gruffudd ap Nicolas . At

14732-456: Was a vegetable-heavy dish, but now it is more likely to contain beef or lamb. Welsh rarebit is thought to date from the 18th century, although the original term "Welsh rabbit" may have been intended as a slur against the Welsh. Another use of cheese in a traditional Welsh dish is seen in Glamorgan sausage , which is a skinless sausage made of cheese and either leek or spring onion, which

14859-771: Was a world record holder in the 4 x 1500 metres relay, the 110-metre hurdler Colin Jackson who is a former world record holder and the winner of numerous Olympic, World and European medals, and Tanni Grey-Thompson who has won 11 Paralympic gold medals. Wales has also produced a number of world-class boxers. Joe Calzaghe was WBO World Super-Middleweight Champion and then won the WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine super-middleweight and Ring Magazine Light-Heavyweight titles. Other former boxing world champions include Enzo Maccarinelli , Freddie Welsh , Howard Winstone , Percy Jones , Jimmy Wilde , Steve Robinson and Robbie Regan . Welsh cuisine

14986-683: Was also based in London. Thomas E. Stephens and Andrew Vicari had very successful careers as portraitists, based respectively in the United States and France. Sir Frank Brangwyn was Welsh by origin, but spent little time in Wales. Perhaps the most famous Welsh painters, Augustus John and his sister Gwen John , mostly lived in London and Paris; however the landscapists Sir Kyffin Williams and Peter Prendergast remained living in Wales for most of their lives, though well in touch with

15113-625: Was found guilty and condemned to death by hanging, drawing and quartering . The sentence was carried out in the Beast Market in Wrexham on 15 October 1584. Just before Gwyn was hanged he turned to the crowd and said, "I have been a jesting fellow, and if I have offended any that way, or by my songs, I beseech them for God's sake to forgive me." The hangman pulled at Gwyn's leg irons hoping to put him out of his pain. When he appeared dead they cut him down, but he revived and remained conscious through

15240-537: Was found to be "drenched with the blood of their prisoners". Christianity was introduced to Wales through the Romans, and after they abandoned the British Isles, it survived in South East Wales at Hentland . In the 6th century, this was home to Dubricius , the first Celtic saint. The largest religion in modern Wales is Christianity, with almost 58% of the population describing themselves as Christian in

15367-430: Was greeted by only six poets, "and all the signs of apathy and dejection." Welsh culture The culture of Wales is distinct, with its own language , customs, festivals , music , art , cuisine , mythology , history , and politics. Wales is primarily represented by the symbol of the red Welsh Dragon , but other national emblems include the leek and the daffodil . Although sharing many customs with

15494-535: Was in operation from 1813 to 1823 making fine porcelain . Llanelly Pottery was the last surviving major pottery works in South Wales when it closed in 1922. Theatrical performances are thought to have begun after the Roman invasion of Britain. There are remains of a Roman amphitheatre at Caerleon , which would have served the nearby fortress of Isca Augusta . Between Roman and modern times, theatre in Wales

15621-436: Was led by Welsh bard and future Franciscan friar , Tudur Aled . At the urging of the aristocratic Mostyn family of Talacre Hall, a Statute, which was attributed to King Gruffydd ap Cynan of Gwynedd , was used as the basis for the eisteddfod. The Statute listed the rights of bards in Welsh culture and under traditional Welsh law , while also arguing that bards should not drink to excess, womanize, or gamble. In addition,

15748-523: Was limited to performances of travelling players, sometimes in temporary structures. Welsh theatrical groups also performed in England, as did English groups in Wales. The rise of the Puritans in the 17th century and then Methodism during the 18th century caused declines in Welsh theatre as performances were seen as immoral. Despite this, performances continued on showgrounds, and with a handful of travelling groups of actors. The Savoy Theatre, Monmouth ,

15875-666: Was put on trial for high treason before a panel of judges headed by the Chief Justice of Chester , Sir George Bromley , at Wrexham in 1583, Gwyn stood accused of refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy , denying the Queen's claim to be Supreme Head of the Church of England , of involvement in the local Catholic underground, but also of composing satirical poetry aimed at the established church and reciting, "certain rhymes of his own making against married priests and ministers." Gwyn

16002-721: Was seemingly complete by 1093. However, the Welsh kingdoms were re-established and most of the land retaken from the Normans over the following decades. While Gwynedd grew in strength, Powys was broken up after the death of Llywelyn ap Madog in the 1160s and was never reunited. Llywelyn the Great rose in Gwynedd and had reunited the majority of Wales by his death in 1240. After his death, King Henry III of England intervened to prevent Dafydd ap Llywelyn from inheriting his father's lands outside Gwynedd, leading to war. The claims of his successor, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd , conflicted with those of King Edward I of England ; this resulted in

16129-498: Was then represented in parliament by 26 members. English became the only official language of courts in Wales, and people that used the Welsh language would not be eligible for public office in the territories of the king of England. Welsh was limited to the working and lower middle classes, which played a central role in the public attitude to the language. The House of Tudor continued to reign through several successive monarchs until 1603, when James I (James VI of Scotland) took

#196803