An indefinite period of chastisement miraculously transformed into an opportunity for a fresh start or at least that is how it appeared to me when I first accidentally stumbled upon by appointment to a new establishment. However, what really piqued my curiosity was an emblem that was bright red in colour which I later found out was the welsh dragon. My immediate thought was to investigate the history of the welsh dragon as it should have gained its prominence in some way for it to become an emblem.
I launched the investigation despite the constraints of time as these days my ‘me time’ is taken up by university assessments, adapting to recent changes and in fulfilling the duties of a mother. The welsh dragon, which has gained an official status on the Welsh flag since 1959, was associated with Wales for centuries and had several variations during different periods of time. Welsh dragon, known as Ddraig Goch, was reputed to possess magical powers besides being the symbol of wisdom, fertility etc. The Welsh dragon was spotted on an old royal badge used by the British monarchs however, the historian Nennius recorded around 820 AD in his book ‘Historia Britonnum’ that it was first used by the Welsh kings of Aberffraw as a symbol of power and authority following the withdrawal of Romans from Britain. While it is a well-known known fact that the welsh dragon had been associated with the noble families of Wales it is during the regime of Henry VIII that it became a favourite emblem in the Royal Naval ships.
The red welsh dragon with rough scaly skin, webbed wings and sharp claws is still popular in the 21st century among men, women and children who carry little flags with the dragons which symbolize their pride in their history and culture. I did not anticipate that a change in workplace would immerse me in the history of welsh flag and dragon.
A Writer's Exposé 