A Cultural Celebration in the Country of Song and Dance
Figure 1: Columbus Guides
www. columbusguides.com
Abstract
After years of serving as a prize to be won on the battlefield, Wales has severed its ties with its Roman, Saxon, and English conquerors, becoming an independent country with a strong identity. This identity is rooted in cultural traditions of song, literature, and art, with an emphasis on the native Welsh language (BBC 2004). The National Eisteddfod, literally meaning to sit and gather, celebrates and strengthens the Welsh cultural character through an accentuation of the native heritage and arts of Wales . This national celebration has been held for over 800 years and will continue to be observed in the years to come (Catchphrase 2004).
Figure 2:
Opening Ceremonies at the National Eisteddfod of 2002 The Ancient
Heritage Of Wales Figure 3:
Welsh folk dancing at the National Eisteddfod of
2003 The Celtic
Café “Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru” www.celticcafe.com/Wales/eisted/four.html
Introduction
The Eisteddfod Genedlaethol or National Eisteddfod of Wales is a cultural celebration and competition of the arts that has been celebrated since the 12 th century and continues to attract attention and expand every year. This celebration has been known for discovering the best poets, singers, artists, musicians, and allowing them to practice their art by finding them patrons. Over the years, the popularity of this celebration has increased, and individual Eisteddfods are held throughout Wales and internationally. This annual festival attracts people from all backgrounds and walks of life in celebration of a unified cause: the celebration, encouragement, and continuation of the creativity of the Welsh language and arts (Welsh Customs and Emblems 2004). The celebration creates a national bond between the members of the country and fosters unity between all those who partake in the festival. The bond created by the celebration of Welsh culture at the National Eisteddfod strengthens the national identity and independence of Wales .
Context of [Wales]
Wales , now a part of the United Kingdom to the west of England , was invaded by the Romans in 48 AD. Although the native Silurians and Ordovices, Celtic tribes, put up a fight, they were defeated, and the Romans took control of the areas of present day England and Wales . Most of the natives, with the exception of the Ordovices accepted Roman rule. For the next 300 years, Romans occupied Wales , but the inhabitants kept their original language, although it was influenced by Latin words.
After the fall of the Romans and battles between the English and the Saxons, the English took control over much of the Welsh territory. Literature in Welsh and Heledd poetry tell of the blight's of the Welsh kingdom. Several rulers attempted to unite the different territories into one country. In 1057, Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, the great great grandson of Hywel, one of the previous great rulers, managed to unite Wales into a whole. By 1283, Wales lost its independence again and was ruled by King Edward of England . Throughout the English occupation, the natives of Wales kept their Welsh identity and wrote literature about their history. Wales today has become an area with modern comforts in a modern society.
From the north to the south of Wales , the geography drastically varies. The north is hilly and mountainous, while the south consists more of coastal plains and valleys with sandy beaches. Nearly 80% of the land is used for farming and livestock. Being located on the coast, Wales does not feel extremes in temperature, staying relatively moderate throughout the year (BBC 2004).
Origins of Eisteddfod Genedlaethol
The first National Eisteddfod was held in 1176 at the Alberteifi castle of Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd in Cardigan, South Wales . Poets and musicians throughout Wales were invited to this competition and celebration of the Welsh language. During the years following this first Eisteddfod, smaller regional eisteddfodau were held various places throughout the nation. In 1880, the National Eisteddfod Association was developed in an effort to make the national celebration a yearly event. Since the committee was created, the National Eisteddfod has been held every year except 1914 and 1940, with the location alternating annually between North and South Wales (The National Eisteddfod of Wales 2004). Eisteddfod means “to sit,” referring to everyone gathering and sitting together in order to enjoy the display of Welsh talent (Catchphrase 2004).
Performance
Blaring trumpets and a colorful procession mark the opening of the National Eisteddfod of Wales, as seen in Figure 2. This national event is a celebration of Welsh language, arts, and traditions, featuring competitions in poetry, prose, drama, and vocal performance, as well as exhibitions in these areas, as seen in Figure 3, which depicts a folk dancer (Spicer 1937). Although the country is predominantly English speaking, the festival is held entirely in Welsh, in order to promote and encourage the language. For those not fluent in Welsh, translators are available at the festival (Straalen 1986). Another component of this festival is that no alcohol is served on pavilion grounds.
The highlights of the celebration, which takes place during the first full week of August, are the three main ceremonies. The first of these ceremonies is the crowning of the bard, which honors the winner of the free verse poetry competition. At this and the following ceremonies, members of the Gorsedd, a group of well-respected individuals including artisans, poets, writers, and others who have made a significant contribution to the nation, process into the ceremony. The Archdruid, head of the Gorsedd, crowns the bard, and a flower dance by local children follows. Later, there is a prose medal ceremony to announce the winner of the prose competition. Near the end of the week, the chairing of the bard ceremony, pictured in Figure 4, takes place, honoring the winner of the prestigious strict meter poetry competition (Catchphrase 2004). The reception of the chair symbolizes the medieval practice of awarding a seat at the table of a Welsh nobility member to the winners of the competition (Ancient Heritage 2004).
Many other prizes and scholarships are awarded to participants of all ages. There are several pavilions where the 200,000 people in attendance on average can observe the most talented competitors of the nearly 6,000 poets, musicians, artists, and performers who entered the competition. In the rock pavilion, up and coming rock and pop musicians are featured. This pavilion allows new musicians to gain important exposure, as well as introduce the country to what is new on the music scene. Another major component of this festival is the Cymru a'r Byd or “ Wales and the World.” This is an emotional ceremony in which returning Welsh are welcomed back to their native country. It is an important aspect of the celebration that encourages Welsh abroad to return to their native land and reinforces the unity of all Welsh people (Catchphrase 2004).
Artifact
.
Figure 4: Chairing of the bard ceremony at the National Eisteddfod. The ceremonial chair is the most prestigious award bestowed at this celebration.
What's it All About? C. 2004 Cwmni Acen
www.welsh.cd/about.php
Interpretation
Prognosis for Eisteddfod Genedlaethol
Although the National Eisteddfod is currently facing a financial crisis, a report by Stevens and Associates from 2003 states that with changes in the structure of the festival and increased marketing, the prognosis for the festival is bright. The Eisteddfod will continue to be celebrated for years to come because of its cultural, social, and economic significance to Wales as well as the rest of the world (The National Eisteddfod of Wales 2004). Also, the National Eisteddfod of Wales has become so popular that similar eisteddfodau are held locally all across the globe (Catchphrase 2004). The celebration occupies a space close to the hearts of the majority of Wales . Because of the affection for this native cultural celebration and the celebration's important social role in promoting Welsh independence, the country will not let this powerfully unifying festival fade away.
Conclusion
The National Eisteddfod of Wales remains a significant cultural celebration emphasizing the language and artistic traditions of the Welsh community in Wales and throughout the world. While Rome and England fought for control of the country, the inhabitants struggled to keep their own identity, the identity that this festival celebrates (BBC 2004). With a passion for creativity and their heritage, the Welsh people have celebrated the Eisteddfod for over 800 years and continue the tradition with the same ardor.
Internet References Cited
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2004 The National Eisteddfod of Wales . Electronic document.
http://www.eisteddfod.org.uk. (Accessed 9 Oct. 2004)
This website, the official website of the National Welsh Eisteddfod, provides the most recent information and most encompassing information, including financial issues, about the celebration.
Acen, Cwmni 2004 What's it All About? Electronic document. http://www.welsh.cd/about.php. (Accessed 9 Oct. 2004)
This website provides answers to common questions as well as spark interest in the celebration by providing details of the activities at the Eisteddfod.
The Ancient Heritage of Wales . Electronic document. http://www.welshwales.co.uk/welsh_heritage.htm. (Accessed 19 Sept. 2004)
This website emphasizes a few of the most important aspects of Welsh heritage.
Barrett, Aideen and Nora Uí Duíbhír 2001 The Celtic Café: Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru. Electronic document. www.celticcafe.com/Wales/eisted/four.html . (Accessed 9 Oct. 2004)
This website emphasizes the creativity of the National Eisteddfod, detailing the dancing and artwork exhibited at the festival.
Catchphrase Eisteddfod Guide. Electronic document. http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/catchphrase/eisteddfod/index.shtml. (Accessed 9 Oct. 2004)
This website is produced by the BBC and acts as a guide to the Eisteddfod celebration, giving brief details about the celebration and its history.
Columbus Guides. Electronic document. http://www.columbusguides.com/data/wal/walmap.asp. (Accessed 19 Sept. 2004)
This website provides maps and travel information and was the source for my map of Wales.
Welsh Customs and Emblems. Electronic document. http://www.informationwales.co.uk. (Accessed 19 Sept. 2004)
This website provides details of important Welsh customs, as well as descriptions of Welsh cottages and deities and visiting the country.
2004 BBC – Wales – About Wales . Electronic document. http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/about. (Accessed 19 Sept. 2004)
This website, created by the BBC, educates the world about all aspects of Welsh culture and heritage.
Peer-Reviewed References Cited
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Dorson, Richard M. 1982 Material Components in Celebration.
Straalen, Alice van 1986 The Book of Holidays Around the World. New York : E.P. Dutton.
Spicer, Dorothy Gladys 1937 The Book of Festivals. New York : The Womans Press.
Shemanski , Frances 1985 A Guide to World Fairs and Festivals. Westport , Connecticut : Greenwood Press.
Turner, Victor and Edith Turner 1982 Religious Celebrations.