Wales History&Culture And Weather

History of Wales

Wales is an independent country, though part of Great Britain, it forged its own cultural and political identity despite attacks by those who sought to control it. Romans, Saxons, Vikings and Normans have all attempted to conquer Wales throughout history, with the Romans being perhaps the most successful of the lot.

Quick fact!

Saint David (in Wales “Dewi Sant”) was a Welsh Bishop during the 6th century, later regarded as the Patron Saint of Wales.

Early history

After the Romans departed in the 5th century, new invaders arrived and were fought against by the Welsh whose fighting spirit managed to keep the country largely intact. The English especially battled with Wales throughout the Middle Ages as one king after another formed armies and sent them out to subjugate the rebellious Welsh.

Norman lords managed to control some of the Welsh border towns such as Cardiff and also founded monasteries. But Welsh nationalism wasn’t about to be snuffed out and the Welsh let the Normans know by force that they weren’t particularly welcome.

For the English, Wales was an important source of agricultural wealth, and it also had many small scale industries. For the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, Wales was vital for it was home to industries such as coal mining, iron working and slate quarrying which created many job opportunities. Subsequently Wales’ economy flourished during this period and its towns expanded. Tourism also increased with railway networks springing up across the countryside.

Quick fact!

Marconi’s first radio transmission in 1897 was between two points in Wales.

20th century – present

World War I brought a halt to the proceedings as over 20 percent of the Welsh male population fought alongside British troops. Some 35,000 lost their lives most notably in the Somme and at Ypres.

The ensuing depression of the 1920s and 1930s saw the Welsh economy slip into decline with many people becoming unemployed and in poverty. Although World War II brought new demands for heavy industry, unemployment was a problem even in the post-war period of the 1950s and 1960s.

Today many of the industries associated with Wales such as coal mining and steel working are no longer in existence or in decline. The public sector, service industries and tourism have become the mainstay of the Welsh economy.

The Welsh language, however, has been an enduring part of its cultural identity and sets it apart from the rest of Great Britain. Wales is known as an official bilingual country and has over half a million Welsh speakers living there. Anyone visiting the country will come across plenty of small villages with tongue-twisting names that defy any English speaker to try and pronounce them.

Wales has its own distinct political identity as well, though it shares the common land of Great Britain. In 1999 a Welsh Assembly was created and in 2011 this was given the authority by the people of Wales to pass laws without interference from England. Ironically the heir to the throne of Great Britain, Prince Charles, is called the Prince of Wales but he has no say in how Wales is governed. And that, it would be fair to say, is exactly the way the Welsh like it.

Welsh language and culture

Culture of Wales

Despite it’s position near England, Wales has a distinct culture complete with language, music, holidays and customs. The red Welsh Dragon is an important symbol of the country and can be found on the national flag of Wales. The symbol dates back to the first millennium and was believed to be used by ancient Celtic leaders during times of war.

Festivals and traditions

Calan Gaeaf is a halloween like holiday traditionally celebrated on the first day of winter and is observed on November 1st. On this particular day, people become wary of graveyards, churches and crossroad as spirits are rumoured to gather at these sites.

September 16th is a celebration of Owain Glyndŵr, the last true Welsh Prince of Wales, who led a rebellion against English oppressors on this day of infamy. On the first of March the Welsh celebrate St. David’s Day, paying homage to the patron saint of Wales.

Music

Wales has strong musical ties and is traditionally referred to as “the land of song”. Welsh folk music is strongly rooted to Celtic celebratory songs that utilize distinct instruments and lyrical structures used in times of ceremony.

It is believed that song was once used as a primary form of communication, making it an important trait to pass on to younger generations. Today, the exquisite harmonies of male choirs are a strong influence Wales has on the international music scene.

Literature

The rich Anglo-Welsh literature of the 20th century arose from the fusion of English and Welsh languages. Before this particularly recent development, only 69 nine Welsh men and woman were known to write in the English language. The most notable of Welsh authors include the likes of Dylan Thomas, novelist Emyr Humphreys and London born David Jones.

Much of the literature throughout the early to mid-20th century were centred around the World Wars of the day. This helped perpetuate the use of English in Wales and inspired an upcoming batch of Welsh-English writers.

Languages of Wales

Wales has two official languages; Welsh and English. However English is spoken by almost all the people in Wales. Some areas in northern and western Wales will have Welsh spoken as a first language, but will most likely have English as a second language.

Basic Welsh words and phrases:

Hello – Helo

Goodbye – Da bo chi

Please – Os gwelwch chi’n dda

Thank you - Diolch

My name is… – …..ydy f’enw i

I don’t speak Welsh – Alla i ddim siarad Cymraeg

Do you speak English – Ydych chi’n siarad Saesneg

Wales weather

Welsh weather is no different from the rest of the United Kingdom’s overall moderate climate. Depending on your altitude the climate in Wales varies a bit, but due to its relatively small size follows a standard weather pattern.

Primarily mountainous and heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean; Wales has a maritime climate that is often cloudy, wet, and windy. Wales sports more favorable sunny conditions found on the coast and lingering storms in the more elevated areas. Welsh autumns and winters bring brisk temperatures with the most amount of rainfall, while springs and summers are a bit dryer and much warmer.

Spring in Wales

The air and ground begins to warm up and spring temperatures begin reaching towards the teens. Average day-time spring temperatures are around 9C to 10C. Brief snow showers occur occasionally until around mid-March. Although it is a bit drier, you will still run into rain so be sure to wear a warm waterproof jacket.

Summer in Wales

Summer brings on much warmer temperatures that average along the upper teens. Summers on the Welsh coast can be quite warm and sunny, while weather in the mountainous areas are cooler and are frequented by heavier cloud cover. Things are dryer in the Summer, but be ready for the occasional storm. Light clothing during the day and a jacket at night will keep you comfortable during the summer months.

Autumn in Wales

Things begin to chill and cloud up a bit during autumn. Quite mild, temperatures average in the teens, rarely falling below 7C or exceeding 18C. Late autumn begins a stretch that is significantly wetter. Being drenched to the bone often makes the temperature feel much colder than it actually is. Be prepared for rainy weather with your most waterproofed of gear.

Winter in Wales

Welsh winters are generally wet and cold affairs and is accompanied by the occasional inland snowstorm. Due to it’s proximity to the relatively warm waters of the Atlantic, coastal Wales stays a bit warmer than the mountainous inland; averaging 0C in the mountains, the temperature on the coast is a bit higher, looming in the single digits. Bundle up tight with a heavy and weatherproofed coat.

Average temperature in Cardiff, Swansea and Snowdonia 

Average rainfall in Cardiff, Swansea and Snowdonia