Leek Wales Emblem

The origins of the leek as a symbol or an emblem of wales and all things welsh are now lost in time but it is highly likely that they go back to the days of the druids the priests and holy men.

Leek wales emblem. The leek emblem is often proudly worn in wales on st. According to legend the patron saint of wales saint david ordered his welsh soldiers to identify themselves by wearing the leek on their helmets in an ancient battle against the saxons that took place in a leek field. According to one legend king cadwaladr of gwynedd ordered his soldiers to identify themselves by wearing the vegetable on their helmets in an ancient battle against the saxons. But why is it that patriotic welshmen and women across the world attach this strong smelling member of the onion family to their clothing.

David lloyd george the only welshman to serve as prime minister was a public advocate of the narcissus its latin name and its appearance in early spring as a symbol of nature s. Wales rich past has given the country national symbols that represent its history people and values. According to legend king cadwaladr of gwynedd insisted his forces identify themselves by wearing a leek symbol on their helmets during a decisive battle against the invading saxons. The leek is one of the national emblems of wales and it or the daffodil in welsh the daffodil is known as peter s leek cenhinen bedr is worn on st.

Proudly sported every st. It can be seen proudly pinned to the shirts of welsh rugby fans at matches all over the world. You can learn more about these in this section. Although the daffodil has been associated with wales since the 19 th century the leek pre dates it as a national symbol by thousands of years.

The leek is the national emblem of wales. David s day along with the daffodil or peter s leek cenhinen bedr. The leek of course has been about for thousands of years and over that time has been used for medicinal purposes as well as food and even today leeks are worn by every member of a welsh regiment on st david s day however the other great symbol of wales the daffodil is certainly a less pungent addition to an outfit. The origins of the national flower of wales appears to be as an attractive interloper introduced during the 19th century as a replacement for the humble leek.

Most authors trying to trace the link come up with one or other of the legends that show it was used by the welsh as a cap badge in battle to show friend from foe. The leek and the daffodil an odd pair of national symbols the leek the connection between wales and the leek is obscure.