St. David's Day: The National Day Of Wales 2019

Why is a Welsh national flag flying from our house today?

The Welsh national flag dates from the 15th century

Wales is a small, ancient country located southwest of England between the Bristol Channel and the Irish Sea south of the Isle of Man. The nation has a rich cultural heritage beginning with Celtic peoples in the early Iron Age. Its isolation has left them with strong genetic identifiers as the "last of the 'true' Britons." There are only 3 million people living in Wales today. Historically, the population was never large but there was a limited diaspora beginning two centuries ago particularly with the Industrial Revolution and its need for coal.

March 1 is celebrated in much of the Christian world in the west as St. David's Day. David was born in Wales in the 6th century, attained sainthood in the 12th century, and today is recognized as the patron saint of Wales. Dewi San (St. David) died on this day in 569 and was buried in the cathedral bearing his name in Pembrokeshire. The day is also celebrated as the National Day throughout the country.

Although German traditions remain strong in my family, I'm equally proud to say that I have Welsh ancestors thanks to the bloodline introduced by my grandmother's parents who immigrated to the United States from Cardiff, Wales, in the early 1870's. Although I don't remember her - she died before my second birthday - my father always reminded me of her Celtic pride and Welsh ancestry expressed especially in a love for song and singing.  A century ago Welsh male choirs could be found in every mining and quarrying village across the country. Now most of the singing is confined to professional choirs and individuals who emerged from the tradition. Perhaps the best known of those singers today is the bass-baritone, Bryn Terfel:

Only half of one percent of Americans claim Welsh ancestry. I'm pleased to be among them.

Sources:

Photos and Illustrations:
Welsh flag, public domain image, Open Clipart Library

Text:

wales.com
wikipedia.com