9 Welsh Traditions: Exploring the Great History and Heritage of Wales

Are you wondering what are the popular Welsh Traditions? I have lived in the UK now for more than a decade, and as a proud British, I would love to share with you the traditions, culture, and heritage of Wales.

I wrote another article highlighting British culture and traditions as a whole and would love to give some highlights to the tiny nation of Wales which is one of the four kingdoms that comprised the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Read on and uncover the history, beauty, and wonder of Welsh traditions!

Here is the list of Welsh Traditions:

1. St. David’s Day

As a Welsh national holiday, St. David’s Day is celebrated annually on March 1st to commemorate the life of St. David, the patron saint of Wales who died on this day in the year 589 AD. St. David was a Welsh bishop who founded several monasteries and is credited with spreading Christianity throughout Wales, and his legacy is celebrated on this day.

To celebrate St. David’s Day, many Welsh people wear a daffodil or a leek, which are symbols of Wales and St. David, respectively. Legend has it that St. David advised Welsh soldiers to wear a leek in their hats to distinguish themselves from their enemies during a battle between the Welsh and the Saxons.

Throughout Wales, various events and festivities take place on St. David’s Day, including parades, concerts, and traditional Welsh festivals of literature, music, and performance known as Eisteddfodau. Schools also celebrate the day by holding St. David’s Day celebrations, where children dress up in traditional Welsh costumes and perform Welsh songs and dances.

St. David’s Day is a significant occasion for Welsh people to honour and celebrate their culture, history, and language. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the many contributions that Welsh people have made to the world, including the poet Dylan Thomas and the actor Richard Burton.

Read more: The 4 Patron Saints of the UK: A History, Faith and Celebration

2. Mari Lwyd (New Year Tradition)

Are you looking for a unique and intriguing Welsh tradition to celebrate on New Year’s Eve? Look no further than Mari Lwyd! This tradition involves a group of people parading around town with a horse skull on a stick, covered in a white sheet and decorated with ribbons and bells.

Led by a person carrying the horse skull, the group goes door-to-door, singing traditional Welsh songs and engaging in a battle of wits with homeowners. Homeowners must come up with clever rhymes to prevent the group from entering their homes. If unsuccessful, the group is invited in for food, drink, and merriment.

The origins of Mari Lwyd are unclear, but it is believed to date back to pre-Christian times when the horse was considered a sacred animal. It is also linked to the practice of mumming, where groups of people would dress up in costumes and perform plays in exchange for food and drink.

Today, Mari Lwyd is celebrated in various towns and villages across Wales, particularly in South Wales. It is a beloved part of Welsh culture and a fascinating way to ring in the New Year. You definitely need to experience this unique tradition that has been passed down through generations of Welsh people.

Read more: Amazing New Year Traditions Around the World

3. Celebrating St. Dwynwen’s Day (Welsh Valentines)

St. Dwynwen’s Day is also known as Welsh Valentine’s Day which is celebrated on January 25th in Wales. This holiday is named after St. Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, who prayed for guidance and was visited by an angel who gave her a potion to forget her love and turn him into ice.

On St. Dwynwen’s Day, people in Wales exchange cards, gifts, and flowers with their loved ones, just like on Valentine’s Day. The traditional Welsh love spoon is a popular gift, which is a carved wooden spoon adorned with symbols of love, such as hearts, knots, and keys. Couples also enjoy romantic dinners, walks, and other activities to celebrate their love for each other.

In recent years, St. Dwynwen’s Day has become increasingly popular in Wales, with many people embracing the holiday as a way to celebrate Welsh culture and heritage. It is a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation for loved ones and to celebrate the richness and diversity of Welsh traditions. So, mark your calendars and celebrate love in a unique and meaningful way on St. Dwynwen’s Day!

4. Enjoy the Welsh Rarebit

Welsh Rarebit, also known as Welsh Rabbit, is a classic Welsh dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s basically a posh version of cheese on toast and is made using a rich, savoury cheese sauce that is poured over toasted bread.

This is one of my favourite British food, I prefer having it with Worcestershire sauce. Very tasty!

The origins of the Welsh Rarebit can be traced back to the 18th century when it was originally known as “Welsh Rabbit“. It is believed that the name was a joke made by the English, who referred to the dish as “rabbit” because the Welsh were not known for their hunting skills and meagre means.

Despite the name, Welsh Rarebit is a delicious and satisfying dish that is enjoyed all over Wales and beyond. It’s often served as a lunchtime or supper dish and is a staple on many pub menus.

To make Welsh Rarebit, a mixture of grated cheese, butter, flour, and milk is melted together over low heat until it forms a thick, creamy sauce. The sauce is then flavoured with mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper, before being poured over slices of toasted bread.

Some variations of Welsh Rarebit include the addition of beer or ale, which is added to the cheese sauce to give it an extra depth of flavour. Welsh Rarebit has gained popularity all over the world, and it is definitely something that you should try.

Read more: Most Popular British Food To Try in the UK

5. Welsh Cakes

If you have a sweet tooth, Welsh cakes are another must-try treat during your visit to Wales. These little, round cakes are a beloved part of Welsh culture and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and dried fruit, Welsh cakes are cooked on a griddle until golden brown and served dusted with sugar.

Not only are Welsh cakes delicious, but they also have a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. They were traditionally cooked on a bakestone and served with tea or coffee, and today they remain a popular snack and dessert option in Wales.

There are also variations of Welsh cakes that you can try, such as the fruitcake “Bara Brith” or the sweet “Welsh cake ice cream” dessert. So whether you’re a fan of sweet treats or just curious about Welsh culture and cuisine, be sure to try some Welsh cakes during your visit to Wales.

Read more: List of Famous Types of British Cakes to Eat in the UK

6. Welsh Love Spoon

If you are looking for a unique and meaningful gift for your loved ones, consider the Welsh Love Spoon. This cherished tradition dates back to the 17th century when young men carved intricate spoons from wood to present to their sweethearts as a symbol of their love and devotion. Today, Love Spoons continue to be a popular gift for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, and christenings.

Each Love Spoon is a work of art, with intricate carvings that hold special meanings and tell a story. The heart symbolizes love, the cross represents faith, and other symbols such as a horseshoe for luck and a dragon for Wales make each spoon unique. Love Spoons were traditionally made from yew or sycamore and decorated with inlays of bone, silver, or other materials.

Here are the other Love spoon symbol and their meaning:

Love Spoon Symbol	Meaning
Heart (Welsh: Calon) / two hearts in a spoon	Love / reciprocated and mutual love
Keyhole (Welsh: Twll goriad)	I will take care of you
Horseshoe (Welsh: Pedol)	good luck!
Key (Welsh: goriad)	key to my heart
Flower (Welsh: Blodau)	Our love will grow
Wheel (Welsh: Olwyn)	We will live our lives together
Bird (Welsh: Aderyn) / Stork bird	We will travel together / New birth
We will travel together / New Birth	Success
Lock (Welsh: Clo)	Security
Ball in a Cage	number of children wish to have
Cross	God’s blessing
Knot or Celtic Knot	Eternal love
Chain	loyalty and faithfulness
Twisted stem	togetherness
Dragon	protection or symbol of Wales
Bell (Welsh: Cloch)	Marriage

The Love Spoon tradition has been passed down through generations, with many Welsh families having their own unique designs and symbols. By giving a Love Spoon as a gift, you are not only showing your love and affection but also connecting with the rich history and heritage of Wales. So why not start your own Love Spoon collection or give a special gift that your loved ones will treasure for years to come?

7. Welsh gold

Welsh gold is a rare and precious type of gold that holds a significant place in Welsh history and culture. Not only it is highly valuable monetarily, but it also has deep cultural and emotional meaning. Welsh gold is associated with love and loyalty, making it the perfect choice for wedding rings.

The tradition of using Welsh gold for wedding rings dates back to the early 20th century when the British royal family began using it for their own rings.

Here is the list of the British Royal family that is known to have used Welsh Gold as their wedding rings:

• Lady Elizabeth Bowes – Lyon (Queen Mother to Queen Elizabeth II) and King George VI (Wedding date: 26 April 1923)
• Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip ( Wedding date: 20 November 1947)
• Princess Margaret (Queen Elizabeth II’s sister) and Anthony Armstrong- Jones (Wedding date: 6 May 1960)
• Princess Anne (Princess Royal – Daugther of Queen Elizabeth II) and Mark Philipps (Wedding date: 14 November 1973)
• King Charles III and Princess Diana (Wedding date: 29 July 1981)
• King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla (Wedding date: 9 April 2005)
• Prince William and Catherine Middleton (Wedding date: 29 April 2011)
• Prince Harry and Megan Markle (Wedding date: 19 May 2018)

Today, Welsh gold wedding rings are highly coveted and remain a popular choice for couples all over the world.

The history of Welsh gold mining is also fascinating, with evidence of mining dating back to the Bronze Age. The Clogau Gold Mine, once the largest and richest mine of Welsh gold in the world, produced over 78,000 ounces of gold in its lifetime. Though the mine closed in 1998 due to high extraction costs, Welsh gold remains highly prized and sought after by jewellers and collectors alike.

By buying Welsh gold, you can not only own a valuable and unique piece of jewellery but also connect with the rich history and heritage of Wales. It’s a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate love, loyalty, and the enduring traditions of Welsh culture.

8. The Red Dragon

Now, you have definitely seen this on the Welsh flag.  Known from the Arthurian legend and Merlin, The Red Dragon, or “Y Ddraig Goch” in Welsh, is the national symbol of Wales and has been an important part of Welsh mythology and history for centuries. It has been featured on the Welsh flag since the 15th century and is a powerful symbol of Welsh identity and heritage.

The origins of the Red Dragon can be traced back to Welsh mythology, where it was said to have been the battle standard of the legendary Welsh King Arthur. The story goes that during a battle against the Saxons, the Red Dragon emerged from a hill and helped the Welsh defeat their enemies. From that moment on, the Red Dragon was seen as a powerful symbol of Welsh strength and victory.

In the 7th century, the Red Dragon was adopted as the emblem of the Welsh kings and became a symbol of Welsh national identity. It was also used by Welsh warriors as a symbol of their courage and loyalty to their country.

The Red Dragon became even more important to Welsh culture in the 19th and 20th centuries, as Wales fought to maintain its language and traditions in the face of English domination. The Red Dragon became a symbol of Welsh resistance and pride and was used by Welsh nationalists to protest against the English government.

Today, the Red Dragon is a beloved symbol of Welsh culture and identity. It can be seen everywhere in Wales, from flags and banners to souvenirs and clothing. The Welsh national rugby team, the “Welsh Dragons,” also uses the Red Dragon as its emblem.

9. Traditional Welsh Outfit

Welsh clothing is rich in unique traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. Among the most distinctive of Welsh traditional attire is the gown or bedgown.

The gown, also known as the “Welsh lady’s cloak,” is a long and loose-fitting garment typically made of wool. It is often paired with a petticoat or skirt and is fastened at the waist with a belt or sash. The gown features a high collar and is decorated with intricate embroidery or lace, usually in a floral or paisley design.

The bedgown, or “Welsh bed-jacket,” is a shorter version of the gown and is often made of the same woollen material. It is a practical daytime garment and more commonly worn for everyday use than the full-length gown. The bedgown has a shorter hemline and is often adorned with simpler embroidery or trim.

The traditional Welsh outfit is more than just a costume for special occasions; it was once the daily dress of many Welsh women. The gown or bedgown was accompanied by a range of accessories, including a shawl, apron, and hat, to complete the ensemble.

Today, the traditional Welsh outfit is still worn on special occasions such as weddings, concerts, and Welsh festivals like the Eisteddfod. It remains an important symbol of Welsh culture and heritage, reflecting the country’s unique history and traditions.

Read More about Wales:

• Where is Wales Located?
• 12 Beautiful Castles in Wales (UK) To Visit
• 8 Best Things To Do in Cardiff (Wales)
• 15 Best Things to do in Pembrokeshire, Wales (UK)
• 6 Best Snowdon Walk Guide in Wales