The Dragon of Wales - The Welsh Dragon flag is not as old as people think. It was only adopted as the national flag in 1959.
It is said that one of the oldest recorded uses of the dragon as a symbol of Wales dates back to the Historia Britonum (History of Britain) written by the Welsh antiquery Nennius in or around 820 AD. Around 35 hand-copied manuscripts still exist today. It is a description of Britain's inhabitants, invaders of the country, and descriptions of about 28 cities in existance at that time. In this volume he describes and alludes to the Dragon of Wales.
Dragon of Wales
The first Tudor king, Henry VII's standard used the colours white and Green as the background as in the current flag. Over the centuries, Wales became more and more political and nationalistic towards the English. But there was no rallying flag or symbol for them to get behind. It wasn't until 1959 that the refusal to grant the Welsh flag appearance in St David's Day (1st March) the Gorsedd (the unofficial assembly of Welsh bards) made protests to the English government. It finally ended when Queen Elizabeth II stepped-in and conceded that, "only the Red Dragon on a green and white flag should be flown on Government buidlings in Wales". It was then taken by the Welsh that this was now their official flag. The Dragon of Wales had arrived - finally.
The Red Dragon - The Dragon of Wales
The Green and White Welsh Flag
The Welsh Dragon (or Dragon of Wales) as carved by Passion for Ice.
ALL ice carvings are impressions and cannot be or never will be 100% accurate and precise renditions as seen in marble, clay or stone sculptures. Ice is a transient medium and as such we have to think about the 'melting' factor. Unfortunately ice does not melt uniformly and it is alwaysthe most delicate or intricate parts that melt first. In the case of the Welsh Dragon, that would be his tongue and his curly tail.
If you have ANY questions - PLEASE do not hesitate to give us a call or send us an email - info@passionforice.co.uk