Traditions sport and holidays in Wales Traditions

Traditions, sport and holidays in Wales.

Traditions There are many great traditions of Wales, but three stand out that make it culturally distinct from its neighbors: the Eisteddfod, the Noson Lawen and the Cymanfa Ganu.

The Eisteddfod Is the most ancient and certainly the most popular. Most towns and villages conduct an annual Eisteddfod in one way or another.

The chief contest is still that of poetry, being separated into two categories: for the Chair, and for the Crown. It is still a marvel that thousands of people gather together to hear the adjudications of the entries in the poetry competition and give their applause and admiration to the winning bard.

Cymanfa Ganu: Hymn Singing The next Welsh cultural tradition of importance is that of the Cymanfa Ganu.

The Cymanfa Ganu with its emphasis on hymn singing in parts is not an ancient event at all, for it grew out of the Temperance Movement in the mid -nineteenth century. In South Wales, Choral societies were founded as one solution to the grave problem of drink.

Noson Lawen (Merry Night) Of unknown age is the third great Welsh tradition, the Noson Lawen. The old-fashioned Noson Lawen keeps pace with the local Eisteddfod as a living reminder of an old and muchvalued cultural tradition.

The festivities included penillion (the reciting of verses) to the sound of the harp, dancing, and recitation.

Nos Galan Gaeaf (All Hallow's Eve) In addition to preserving the Eisteddfod, the Noson Lawen and the Cymanfa Ganu, Wales has also managed to keep alive other old traditions. Many are connected with the old New Year's Eve of Celtic tradition, transformed into the rites connected with the Christian celebration of All Hallow's Eve, or Halloween.

In Wales, this night is called Nos Galan Gaeaf (the beginning of the new year), the night when spirits walk abroad.

Sport in Wales The most popular sports in Wales are rugby union and football. Like the other countries of the United Kingdom, Wales enjoys independent representation in major world sporting events such as the Rugby World Cup and in the Commonwealth Games, but competes as the England Wales cricket team and as Great Britain in many other competitions, including the Olympics.

Traditional sports Cnapan (sometimes spelt Knapan or Knappan) is a Celtic form of medieval football, vaguely resembling some modern versions of rugby football, played in Wales until the nineteenth century. It may be a forerunner to modern rugby union.

Rugby union is the national sport of Wales and is considered a large part of national culture.

Football developed in the late 19 th century in Wales, initially more popular as a sport in north Wales. The most successful teams are Cardiff City, Swansea City, Newport County and Wrexham.

Athleticks Athletics has a long history in Wales, with many events recognised today codified during the Victorian period. The first amateur athletic clubs in Wales were formed in the 1870 s, while the first championships began in the early 20 th century.

Boxing is a popular sport in Wales, and since the early 20 th century Wales has produced a notable number of professional boxers including several World Champions. The most notable boxers include Wales' first World Champion Percy Jones; Jimmy Wilde.

Cricket is a popular sport in Wales. With its roots beginning in the late 18 th century, Cricket has been played throughout Wales ever since. Cricket is played within the Welsh schools system, and is considered one of the country's main summer sports.

Golf is a popular sport in Wales. Although the sport of golf in Great Britain is most associated with Scotland, where it was established and developed, Wales can record its first courses back to the 1880 s, and today has over 200 clubs.

Holidays in Wales These are the main holidays traditionally celebrated in Wales that are not shared with the rest of the United Kingdom:

Saint David’s Day Saint David's Day (Welsh: Dydd Gŵyl Dewi) is the feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and falls on 1 March each year. The first day of March was chosen in remembrance of the death of Saint David. Tradition holds that he died on that day in 569. The date was declared a national day of celebration within Wales in the 18 th century.

Gŵyl Mabsant (Feast of the Patron) On a more localised level, each parish celebrated a Gŵyl Mabsant in commemoration of its native saint. This annual celebration developed from a dedication through prayer to a programme of recreational activities.

Customs: Cockfighting: Birds were specially trained for the contest and the owner of a victorious cockerel was held in high esteem; large amounts of money could be wagered on the outcome of the fights. Grinning Matches: For old women Eating Hot Pudding Bando: A team sport, similar to the modern game of field hockey; teams used clubs to strike a ball towards a goal. It continued in some areas until the late 19 th century and was particularly popular in Glamorgan.

Dydd Santes Dwynwen (Welsh for St Dwynwen's Day) is considered to be the Welsh equivalent to Valentine's Day and is celebrated on 25 January every year. It celebrates Dwynwen: she is the Welsh saint of love.

Gŵyl San Steffan Celebrated on 26 December, in Wales Boxing Day or St. Stephen's Day is known as Gŵyl San Steffan.

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