The Political Aspect
The words 'independent Wales' are wrapped in obscurity and speculation. It is common knowledge today that Wales is a part of the United Kingdom and that the UK parliament holds the real strings of the Welsh government, even if it does not always decide to pull them.
Wales only had real self-governance between the end of the Roman occupation in 410 AD and the defeat of Llywelyn in 1277 by Edward I. The English king proceeded to display his dominance by parading Llywelyn's head through the streets of London.
Today, roughly three million people (the Welsh populace) are subjected to charade of power, where their country is concerned. In 1965, despite almost every Welsh MP voting against the flooding of the Tryweryn Valley for the profit of Liverpool, parliament passed the act. A village and its valley were destroyed, directly leading to a nationalist revival which included the creation of militia; the Free Wales Army and the Welsh Defence Movement.
The National Assembly of Wales was established in 1998 and legislation in 2007 gave the Welsh government to request greater authority on certain issues. This assembly is further proof of the aforementioned charade, for the UK parliament could override or even abolish the National Assembly at any time.
Cultural Insights
Of course a country's independence is linked to its power but a fragment of it depends on culture and national identity. The revivification of Nationalism, the fact that Welsh is an official language en par with English are just a few of the many signs of the fact that Wales still retains an original flavour. Leeks, daffodils and a red dragon symbolize the country, the 'Seven Wonders of Wales' flaunt themselves to the world and unique national holidays give the people of Wales even more to celebrate. The dragon of Wales rests on Tudor colours, symbolizing ties to England and mainstream culture of the country, understandably rests on its bordering neighbour. Cuisine is essentially the same in each country (though more lamb-based in Wales), with a few exceptions such as Penclawdd Cockles and Welsh Rarebit. The country is known as 'the Land of Song' for its annual Eisteddfod (music festival), few unique instruments and folk songs. The popular artists from the region though, are not outstanding in genre. When referring to the cultural independence of Wales, the suffix 'from England' is naturally implied. A large segment of the public, in their movement for political independence beg the question where Wales lies culturally. The country has a proud past and identity but since it leans so hard on British support legislatively and financially, the culture of Wales is in danger of being moulded by the hands that hold it gently, but firmly in place.
Cymru am byth – Wales forever!
One could argue forever where Wales lies on the aesthetic scale of the United Kingdom but it is incontestable that the Celtic nation is host to great natural beauty. None of it is pruned and tamed like the gardens of England. Welsh countryside is wild and ravishing. The three national parks; Brecon Beacons, the Pembrokeshire Coast and Snowdonia are all must-sees and visitors and further encouraged to pay homage to the seven wonders mentioned before.
No one person can really establish how independent Wales truly is. Struggles for political autonomy will continue while men will shape and melt into their culture. The motto of Wales resounds in pride, invoking the need for identity and independence. But it also echoes with vitality, asking the nation to celebrate what it has. With the white peak of Snowdon, delectable stews, world-famous opera, fierce militant pride, rolling green hills and the potential to make this sentence absurdly long with all the enriches it, it's safe to say that Wales has plenty.
The words 'independent Wales' are wrapped in obscurity and speculation. It is common knowledge today that Wales is a part of the United Kingdom and that the UK parliament holds the real strings of the Welsh government, even if it does not always decide to pull them.
Wales only had real self-governance between the end of the Roman occupation in 410 AD and the defeat of Llywelyn in 1277 by Edward I. The English king proceeded to display his dominance by parading Llywelyn's head through the streets of London.
Today, roughly three million people (the Welsh populace) are subjected to charade of power, where their country is concerned. In 1965, despite almost every Welsh MP voting against the flooding of the Tryweryn Valley for the profit of Liverpool, parliament passed the act. A village and its valley were destroyed, directly leading to a nationalist revival which included the creation of militia; the Free Wales Army and the Welsh Defence Movement.
The National Assembly of Wales was established in 1998 and legislation in 2007 gave the Welsh government to request greater authority on certain issues. This assembly is further proof of the aforementioned charade, for the UK parliament could override or even abolish the National Assembly at any time.
Cultural Insights
Of course a country's independence is linked to its power but a fragment of it depends on culture and national identity. The revivification of Nationalism, the fact that Welsh is an official language en par with English are just a few of the many signs of the fact that Wales still retains an original flavour. Leeks, daffodils and a red dragon symbolize the country, the 'Seven Wonders of Wales' flaunt themselves to the world and unique national holidays give the people of Wales even more to celebrate. The dragon of Wales rests on Tudor colours, symbolizing ties to England and mainstream culture of the country, understandably rests on its bordering neighbour. Cuisine is essentially the same in each country (though more lamb-based in Wales), with a few exceptions such as Penclawdd Cockles and Welsh Rarebit. The country is known as 'the Land of Song' for its annual Eisteddfod (music festival), few unique instruments and folk songs. The popular artists from the region though, are not outstanding in genre. When referring to the cultural independence of Wales, the suffix 'from England' is naturally implied. A large segment of the public, in their movement for political independence beg the question where Wales lies culturally. The country has a proud past and identity but since it leans so hard on British support legislatively and financially, the culture of Wales is in danger of being moulded by the hands that hold it gently, but firmly in place.
Cymru am byth – Wales forever!
One could argue forever where Wales lies on the aesthetic scale of the United Kingdom but it is incontestable that the Celtic nation is host to great natural beauty. None of it is pruned and tamed like the gardens of England. Welsh countryside is wild and ravishing. The three national parks; Brecon Beacons, the Pembrokeshire Coast and Snowdonia are all must-sees and visitors and further encouraged to pay homage to the seven wonders mentioned before.
No one person can really establish how independent Wales truly is. Struggles for political autonomy will continue while men will shape and melt into their culture. The motto of Wales resounds in pride, invoking the need for identity and independence. But it also echoes with vitality, asking the nation to celebrate what it has. With the white peak of Snowdon, delectable stews, world-famous opera, fierce militant pride, rolling green hills and the potential to make this sentence absurdly long with all the enriches it, it's safe to say that Wales has plenty.