|
The red dragon was introduced to
Britain during Roman times. It is
possible that the Romans learned of
the dragon from the Persians. Initially
the 'draco' was used as a standard
by the Roman army but over time it
was adopted by the Welsh people as
their national flag. It is possibly
the oldest national flag in use today.
The earliest recorded use of the
red dragon symbolising Wales is in
the 'Historia Brittonum' otherwise
known as the 'History of Britain'.
This was written early in the ninth
century. It describes a battle between
red and white dragons. Initially the
white dragon dominated but finally
the red dragon won. The fight was
said to symbolise the struggle between
the Welsh and English and prophesised
that after years of oppression the
Welsh would drive the English from
their lands.
The great Welsh king, Cadwaladr,
carried the dragon standard as a symbol
of bravery and fierceness. Welsh princes
and warriors continued the tradition.
At the Battle of Crecy in 1346 Welsh
longbow men serving in the English
army carried the standard. Henry Tudor,
who claimed descent from Cadwaladr,
carried the dragon banner into battle
at the Battle of Bosworth Field in
1485. When he became Henry VII he
decreed that the red dragon should
appear on the Welsh flag. In 1959
Queen Elizabeth II declared that the
red dragon on a green and white field
should become the official symbol
of Wales.
Today, despite the continued strength
of the white dragon, the Welsh people
maintain their language, culture and
sense of Welsh identity. Welsh regiments
serving overseas proudly fly their
flag.
About the Author
Ashley Shameli, the author of this
article, is a director of http://www.purdicejewellery.co.uk.
|
