It is considered that the Welsh kings of Aberffraw first adopted the dragon in the early fifth century in order to symbolise their power and authority after the Romans withdrew from Britain. Later, around the seventh century, it became known as the
Graham Bartram, of the Flag Institute, said: "The Welsh flag we know today - a large red dragon on a white and green background - only came into being in 1959. "But, in fact, the red dragon as an emblem has been used in Wales since the reign of Cadwaladr (Cadwallader), King of Gwynedd from around 655AD."
Dragons really did roam around Wales. But about 200 million years ago. Scientists have found the skull and bones of a huge beast near Penarth. The creature has been named Dracoraptor hanigani and is one of the world's oldest Jurassic dinosaurs.
The symbol of the dragon has been used as a military standard since the time of the Romans, who themselves likely borrowed it from the Dacians (inhabitants of an ancient country in Eastern Europe). It was later adopted by 5th-century Welsh kings, keen to show their authority following the Roman withdrawal from Britain.
The Flag of Wales. The Welsh Dragon - also known as the Y Ddraig Goch ("The Red Dragon") and the Red Dragon of Cadwallader - is a dragon that appears in Celtic Mythology/Welsh Folklore. The dragon itself is named Dewi (modernly Welsh for "David" - after the patron saint of Wales).
The dragon appeared on the battle flags of various British soldiers on their way to Rome in the 4th century. It was later adopted by 5th century Welsh kings who were keen to show their authority following the Roman withdrawal.
The red dragon, or “Y Ddraig Goch” in the native tongue, is a symbol of all things Welsh. Sitting front and centre on the national flag, it has proudly posed as the national animal for thousands of years.
The motto "Y ddraig goch ddyry cychwyn" ("The red dragon will show the way"). This motto is in the strict poetic metre of cynghanedd.
The traditional national animal is the Red Dragon a symbol that resplendently adorns the Welsh flag.
Unlike the typical evil, malevolent, greedy dragons of Western/European folklore, the Welsh Dragon was seen as a fierce but a benevolent creature similar to the benevolent dragons in Eastern countries like China and Japan. The dragon is one of Wales' most recognizable symbols and appears on the National flag.
Cadwaladr. As an emblem, the red dragon of Wales has been used since the reign of Cadwaladr, King of Gwynedd from around 655AD. The Red Welsh dragon is often described as the "Red Dragon of Cadwaladr" for this reason.
'There are differences in appearance between the two nations' dragons. The Welsh dragon usually has two wings, four legs, a shorter body, and can breathe fire. But Chinese dragons usually don't have wings, are more serpentine in form, possess large manes, and normally do not breathe fire,' says Ellis.
Myth origins
Draconic creatures are first described in the mythologies of the ancient Near East and appear in ancient Mesopotamian art and literature. Stories about storm-gods slaying giant serpents occur throughout nearly all Near Eastern and Indo-European mythologies.
In the Mabinogion story Llydd and Llefelys, a fierce red dragon fights with an invading white dragon, and the dragons' cries are so piercing and loud that they cause plants to wither, animals to curl up and die and women to miscarry their unborn babies.
The Welsh dragon does not appear on the Union Flag. This is because when the first Union Flag was created in 1606, the Principality of Wales by that time was already united with England and was no longer a separate principality. The Union Flag was originally a Royal flag.
Ddraig Goch - the Red Dragon once represented the old Welsh God Dewi, who later became Wales's mythical patron Saint David. The Red Dragon represents the sovereignty of Britain, and is the totemic beast of the greatest line of kings, the Pen-dragons. Ddraig Goch has one talon raised in defiance!
The leek is the national emblem of Wales. According to legend, King Cadwaldr of Gwynedd ordered Welsh soldiers to identify themselves by wearing the leek on their armour in an ancient battle. The daffodil is the national flower of Wales, worn on St David's Day (1 March) in Wales.
Hunted for meat and for sport, and used as a motif in the decorative arts, the kangaroo was finally recognised as an official symbol of Australia when it was included on the nation's coat of arms in 1908.
Saint George offered to kill the dragon if they consented to become Christians and be baptized. Fifteen thousand men including the king of Silene converted to Christianity. George then killed the dragon, beheading it with his sword, and the body was carted out of the city on four ox-carts.
The white dragon (Welsh: Y Ddraig Wen) is a symbol associated in Welsh mythology with the Anglo-Saxons.
St David's Day is a day dedicated to the patron saint of Wales, St David – or Dewi Sant in Welsh. As a symbol of Wales and star of the Welsh flag, Damian the dragon is the guest of honour at many of the dragon-themed festivals that take place up and down the country in celebration.
The dragon symbolizes power, change, and spirituality, and it also symbolizes good luck, fortune, and prosperity. In some cultures, the dragon is a protector and is often associated with royalty. The dragon spirit animal can also symbolize self-love and empowerment.
The dragon is a mythical creature that has long been the most important symbol of power in China.
According to World Atlas, Wales, Bhutan, and Malta are the only countries that have dragons on their flags.