Let’s Learn About Wales

Map of Wales

A Few Facts About Wales

Wales is part of the United Kingdom.The capital of Wales is Cardiff.The money used is called the pound sterling.The population of Wales is 2,821,000.The languages spoken are Welsh (20%) and English.Area: 20,760 sq km (8,015 sq miles)

Roman invasion in AD 48. Independent 400AD to 13th Century. Partial Norman occupation 11th, 12th and 13th centuries.Wales made Dominion of English King 1282-1535. Independent Principality 1400-1416.Constituent of Kingdom of Great Britain (1707-1801) and United Kingdom (from 1801).

History

The Red Dragon of Wales was introduced to Britain by the Romans some eighteen hundred years ago. All over Wales you will find wishing wells into which people still throw money. On March 1 is St. David's Day—the Welsh national holiday. The daffodil is a Welsh national emblem. St. David is the patron saint of Wales. The leek is the emblem of Wales since the 16th century.

Symbols

The origins of the Red Dragon flag, or "y Draig Goch" could date back to the Roman period.The dragon was used by Roman military.After the Romans left, the Red Dragon remained as a key emblem of Wales.

The Welsh Flag

Welsh CultureWelsh people have special celebrations around the Christmas season. The get up between 3 and 6 AM to go to church services. Many families spend the entire night of Christmas eve decorating the house and singing and dancing until it is time to go to church. They go wassailing which means going out drinking and singing and carrying the wassail bowl to friends and neighbors. The wassail bowl contains cakes, baked apples and sugar with warm beer and spices poured over it.

Welsh people have a tradition of giving hand carved wooden love spoons to a sweetheart.

Wales has always been known as a country of music and song.

Eisteddfod – since the 12th century. An annual competition which was held to find the best poets, writers and musicians.

Let’s Visit Some Important Places in Wales

Cardiff

Snowdonia National Park

Wrexham Steeple Overton Yew TreesPistyll Rhaeadr

Seven Wonders of Wales

Snowdon´s Mountain St. Winifred´s Well

Llangollen Bridge Gresford Bells

Wales is home to some of Europe's finest surviving examples of medieval castle construction.Mold castleChepstowEwloeBeaumaris

                      

Castles

Caernarfon Castle

Beaumaris Castle

Penmon Abbey

Welsh children like to play rugby, football, and netball.On weekends and school vacations they hike or ride horses along the coast.

Learn More About WalesVisit to Wales

www.galenfrysinger.com/wales.htmTravel for Kids - Wales

www.travelforkids.com/Funtodo/Wales/wales.htmCastles of Wales

www.castlewales.com