Welsh people

Owain Glyndŵr at Cardiff City Hall

Welsh speakers in the 2011 census

Flag of the Welsh colony in Patagonia

US Navy 031029-N-6236G-001 A painting of President John Adams (1735-1826), 2nd president of the United States, by Asher B. Durand (1767-1845)-crop

Welsh people are the ethnic group native to Wales, a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain. Over the centuries, the Welsh have been known for their unique culture, language, and national identity. The Welsh language (Cymraeg), a member of the Celtic branch of the Indo-European languages, is a fundamental aspect of Welsh identity and is spoken by a significant portion of the population in Wales and by small Welsh communities worldwide.

History

The history of the Welsh people stretches back thousands of years, with Wales being inhabited by modern humans since the end of the last ice age. The region that is now Wales was known to the Romans as Cambria, and the Welsh people themselves trace their origin to the Celtic Britons who occupied much of Britain before the Roman invasion. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Wales was invaded by various tribes, including the Anglo-Saxons, which led to the push of the Celtic Britons into what is now Wales, Cornwall, and Brittany.

During the Middle Ages, Wales was divided into several kingdoms, with the most famous Welsh leader, Llywelyn the Great, managing to unite Wales under his rule in the early 13th century. However, by the end of the 13th century, Wales was conquered by Edward I of England, leading to its incorporation into the English legal system with the Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284. Despite this, Welsh culture and language persisted, especially in rural areas.

Culture

Welsh culture is rich and distinctive, with its own language, customs, holidays, and music. The Eisteddfod, a festival of literature, music, and performance, is a key event in the Welsh cultural calendar, showcasing the vibrancy of Welsh arts and literature. Welsh music and dance traditions are also an integral part of the national identity, with folk music having a significant resurgence in recent years.

Language

The Welsh language is one of the oldest languages in Europe and a cornerstone of Welsh identity. Efforts to revive and promote the Welsh language have been successful, with an increase in Welsh-medium education and media. The Welsh Government has set ambitious targets to increase the number of Welsh speakers, aiming to create a truly bilingual Wales.

Diaspora

The Welsh diaspora consists of Welsh people and their descendants who live outside Wales. Significant Welsh communities can be found in other parts of the United Kingdom, particularly in Liverpool and London, as well as in countries such as Argentina (notably in Patagonia), the United States, Canada, and Australia. The Welsh diaspora has played a significant role in spreading Welsh culture and language around the world.

Notable Welsh People

Throughout history, many Welsh individuals have gained prominence in various fields. Notable Welsh people include Henry VII of England, the first monarch of the House of Tudor; poet Dylan Thomas; singer Tom Jones; and actor Anthony Hopkins.

Conclusion

The Welsh people have a rich heritage and a strong sense of national identity, rooted in their history, language, and culture. Despite the challenges of the past, the Welsh have maintained a distinct cultural identity and continue to contribute significantly to the United Kingdom and the world.