It was on 23 February in 1959 when our current flag became officially recognised as our Welsh national flag.
History of the Welsh Flag
There have been many versions (including the one I shared on the page yesterday) of Ddraig Goch over centuries and even millennia. It was, after all, a centuries long battle for it to become recognised as our national flag.
So, what are the roots of Ddraig Goch?
Some say that it came over to the island of Great Britain with the Romans in the first couple of AD centuries. Others use its Mabinogion origins, where Dinas Emrys, Gwynedd, is mentioned as being the site where two dueling dragons – one red (for Cymru/ancient Britons) and one white (Saxons)- are buried after a long, gruelling battle for dominance.
We also know it is was used by the likes of Owain Glyndŵr (who also used a golden one known as ‘Y Draig Aur’/’the Golden Dragon’), Henry Tudor and others throughout the medieval period.
Whatever its origins, we know that it is, in fact, a very, very old symbol that we should feel honoured to have on our flag.
(Image Credits: “Welsh Flag in Caernafon, Gwynedd, Wales” by Florian G. @ Flickr)
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – March 2026
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.