Historical Relevance Of The Welsh Dragon Sculpture

By Author: Jo Alelsto
Total Articles: 405
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There are different kinds of statues sold in United Kingdom and some are only for ornamental purposes while others depict an important aspect of national tradition. One example is the Welsh dragon statue which is just an example of many types of dragon figures in Europe. This dragon statue is often sold by many statue makers and sculptors. It must be noted that the red dragon is a special emblem of Wales. It has been the traditional symbol of Wales. As an ancient symbol in battles, it is seen on flags with green and white background. But just like any symbol, the red dragon has been modified over the years. As a result, several versions of the dragon exist. The Welsh dragon is a popular subject of different forms of art and entertainment (films, paintings, and sculptures).

Before we go to the dragon statues popular all over the UK, let's talk a bit about the flag that was initially adopted in 1959. The flag bearing the dragon insignia was patterned after a royal badge worn by British royalties dating back in the Tudor era. It must be reiterated that the red dragon is an emblem associated with Wales for several ...
... hundreds of years. The red dragon bearing flag happens to be the oldest national flag that is still in use. It seems a mystery how Wales came up with a dragon emblem, the answer to which mystery has been lost somewhere in its history. There is a legend, however, saying that Romano-British soldiers were seen bearing the red dragon to Rome and this was in the fourth century. However, there are indications that the red dragon emblem was in use during a much earlier time.

The dragon was first adopted by the Welsh kings of Aberffraw in the 5th century and it symbolized power after Roman occupation in Britain. Two centuries later, the dragon was known as the Red Dragon of Cadwaladr. Writings in the 12th century by Geoffrey of Monmouth associated the dragon to Arthurian legends and in such writings the father of Arthur bore a name that meant dragon head (Uther Pendragon). There was also an account about the ancient prophecy of Merlin that talks about the long standing battle between the white dragon (English) and red dragon (Welsh).

Nonetheless, the red dragon was first used as a symbol for Wales in 820 according to old records. This symbolism was used in the Battle of Crecy in 1346 during which the Welsh archers wore green and white suits. In 1400 Owain Glyndwr used the symbol as a sign of uprising against the English crown. It was brought to England when the Welsh dynasty (The House of Tudor) ruled from late 1400s to early 1600s. The first Tudor King (Henry VII) added the green and white stripes that serve as the background of the red dragon. During the reign of Henry VII this became the favorite symbolism and was even used on royal navy ships.

Today, the red dragon isn't only seen in flags of Wales but is also seen in various types of art like in films, paintings, and sculptures, and is also found in various forms of literature. It became an important aspect of the English legends and literature. The red dragon has been used as subjects of many sculpture works. In fact, the Welsh dragon statues are available in different shops for both historical and ornamental purposes.

The red dragon, indeed, flies pompously and is still popular as always. More than being used as ornaments at establishments, the Welsh dragon is a symbol of pride for men, women, and children of Wales. The red dragon is a relevant part of the Welsh history and is venerated up to the present.
Jo is a content writer for 'Dragon Statues' (http://www.dragonstatue.co.uk), a website owned by Poplars Forge, a business located on the borders of North West and Cheshire which has over thirty(30) years of expertise in the design, manufacture and mounting of all types of steelwork together with a wide range of unique dragon statues. In case you want to buy a handcrafted dragon garden statue for your garden, driveway, receiving area or anywhere you decide to put it then have a look at Poplars Forge.