Anthony's Literary Lens

Tag: Welsh

  • Popty Ping and Other Reasons to Love Welsh

    Popty Ping and Other Reasons to Love Welsh

    So, Welsh. Yeah, it’s a real language, and no, it’s not just random consonants tossed into a Scrabble bag. It’s one of the oldest languages in Europe, spoken in Wales, where people know their sheep as good as their weather forecast (usually rain). But seriously, it’s a living, breathing language with a rich history and, let’s be honest, a bit of a PR problem. I mean, have you ever tried convincing someone that *Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch* is a legitimate place and not the sound of a cat walking across a keyboard?

    Abermawr Beach
    Llyn Llydaw. With Snowdon in the background

    Welsh, or ‘Cymraeg’ as the locals call it (pronounced “kum-RAIG,” by the way), is one of the Celtic languages. Think Gaelic, but with more ll’s, which, in case you were wondering, is not just a double “L.” It’s a soft, breathy sound that feels like trying to whisper to someone with a mouthful of marshmallows. It’s oddly satisfying once you get the hang of it. 

    For Welsh people, the language isn’t just words; it’s identity. It’s how they connect to their ancestors, their culture, and their sense of place in the world. Speaking Welsh is like wearing a badge that says, “I survived centuries of cultural suppression, and all I got was this vowel-deficient language.” But they wear that badge proudly. 

    Now, let’s talk about how it sounds. Welsh has this sing-song quality that makes everything sound like it should be sung from the top of a windy hill in a BBC period drama. Even the most mundane phrases feel poetic. Take “Sut wyt ti?” which means “How are you?” It’s pronounced something like “Sit OO-ee tea,” and it makes you feel like you should answer with a sonnet instead of a shrug. 

    Then there’s the word ‘hiraeth’. Oh, hiraeth. It’s one of those untranslatable words that’ll make you feel all philosophical and deep. It roughly means a longing for a home you can’t return to, or maybe one that never really existed. It’s the emotional equivalent of looking at an old photo and feeling like your heart’s been dunked in tea. 

    But not everything in Welsh is wistful and poetic. Some words are just plain fun to say. Like ‘popty ping’, which is slang for microwave. Yes, ‘popty ping’. How can you not love a language where heating leftovers sounds like a kid naming a spaceship? 

    Want to impress your friends? Try this: say ‘diolch’ (DEE-olkh). That’s “thank you.” Or ‘iechyd da’ (yeh-CHID dah), which is “cheers.” But watch out for that “ch.” It’s like clearing your throat, but, you know, politely. 

    Learning Welsh is like joining an exclusive club. Sure, it’s a small club, but it’s mighty. And the members? They’ll welcome you with open arms because every new speaker is a little victory for a language that’s survived against the odds. 

    So, whether you’re planning a trip to Wales, have Welsh roots, or just want to spice up your life with some extra consonants, give Welsh a shot. You might not master the ‘ll’ sound on day one, but you’ll definitely feel like you’re part of something special. And who knows? You might even find yourself yelling “Cymru am byth!” (“Wales forever!”) at a rugby match one day. 

    Until then, ‘hwyl fawr’! That’s “goodbye” in Welsh, and it’s pronounced, well… just trust me on this one.

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  • Where Do Dreams Lead?

    Where Do Dreams Lead?

    I had been traveling for months, seeking adventure and new experiences. I had seen many wonders and met many people, but I also felt a growing longing for my home. I missed the green hills, the gentle breeze, and the familiar faces of my family and friends. I wondered if they still remembered me, or if I had become a stranger to them.

    Life among the ferns

    Distant sun’s bright call,
    Dreams bloom in a foreign land,
    Homeland whispers near.

    Anthony

    One day, I came across a small market in a foreign town. I browsed through the stalls, looking for something to buy as a souvenir. I saw a bunch of flowers that caught my eye. They were bright yellow, with four petals and a sparkling center. They looked like miniature suns, radiating warmth and joy. I asked the seller what they were called.

    “Aye, Welsh poppies those are, like the ones dancin’ wild in the hills back home,” the seller chuckled, his voice warm with a lilt like wind through barley. “Tough little buggers, they are, sproutin’ up anywhere you look. But special, mind you, with a magic all their own. Some say they hold the cure for hiraeth, that ache in your heart for the land you miss. Sleep with one o’ these beauties tucked beside you, and even in the farthest corner of the world, you’ll dream of home, green and sweet and familiar as your mam’s lullaby.”

    I felt a surge of emotion. I had not seen a Welsh poppy before, nor had I dreamed of my homeland. I felt a sudden urge to buy one and see if the seller’s words were true. I paid a few coins and took a single flower. I thanked the seller and left the market.

    That night, I found a quiet spot to camp. I laid down my sleeping bag and placed the Welsh poppy next to my pillow. I closed my eyes and hoped for a good dream.

    Green hills in slumber’s grasp,
    Ancestors’ warm embrace,
    Roots rediscovered.

    Anthony

    I woke up in a meadow. I felt the soft grass under my body and the fresh air in my lungs. I opened my eyes and saw a blue sky above me, dotted with white clouds. I sat up and looked around. I recognized the landscape. I was in my homeland.

    I felt a wave of happiness and disbelief. I wondered if I was still dreaming, or if I had somehow been transported here. I got up and walked towards a nearby hill. I saw a familiar sight. A stone cottage, with a thatched roof and a chimney. Smoke was rising from it, and a warm light glowed in the window. Somehow I knew who lived there. My ancestors.

    I ran towards the cottage, eager to see them. I knocked on the door and waited. The door opened, and I saw a face I had only seen in old photographs. My great-grandfather, who had died before I was born. He looked just like my father, but older and wiser. He smiled and greeted me.

    “Hello, my boy. I’ve been expecting you. Come in, come in. You must be hungry and tired. We have plenty of cawl and a warm hearth for you. You are welcome here. You are one of us.”

    Tears welled up in my eyes. I hugged my great-grandfather and thanked him. I entered the cottage and saw more familiar faces. My great-grandmother, my great-uncles and aunts, my cousins. They all welcomed me with open arms and kind words. They made me feel at home.

    I spent the day with them, talking, laughing, and sharing stories. I learned about their lives, their struggles, and their joys. I felt a connection with them that I had never felt before. I felt a sense of belonging and purpose. I felt like I had found my roots.

    I stayed with them for a while, enjoying their company and their hospitality. I felt happy and peaceful. I did not want to leave. I wished I could stay with them forever.

    But this was not my time to stay, I knew I had to go. I had a life of my own, a life I had chosen. I had a world to explore, a world I loved. I had to wake up and continue my journey.

    I said goodbye to my ancestors, promising to visit them again. They hugged me and wished me well. They gave me a gift. A Welsh poppy, to remind me of my homeland and my heritage. They told me to keep it close to my heart, and to never forget who I was and where I came from.

    I thanked them and left the cottage. I walked back to the meadow, where I had awoken. I lay down on the grass and closed my eyes. I felt the Welsh poppy in my hand, and the warmth of my family in my soul.

    I woke up in my sleeping bag. I felt the cold ground under my body and the crisp air in my lungs. I opened my eyes and saw a dark sky above me, sprinkled with stars. I sat up and looked around. I was back in the foreign land, far away from my home.

    I felt a mix of emotions. I felt sad and nostalgic, but also grateful and inspired. I had just had the most amazing dream of my life, a dream that had changed me. I had seen my homeland, and met my ancestors. I had learned about my past, and gained a new perspective on my present and future.

    I got up and packed my things. I took the Welsh poppy and put it in my pocket. I felt its magic and its meaning. I smiled and continued my journey.

    I was a traveller, but I also had a home, and I had a family. I had a dream, and I had a reality. I had a Welsh poppy, and I had a heart.

    Poppy’s magic fades,
    Stars guide a thankful heart,
    Journey onward calls.

    Anthony

    Where do your dreams take you?

    Welsh Poppy

    Hiraeth
    “Hiraeth” is a beautiful and complex Welsh word that does not have a direct English translation. While sometimes described as “homesickness”, it carries a much deeper and nuanced meaning. Here’s a breakdown:

    Not just homesickness: While it has elements of longing for a place, hiraeth encompasses more than just missing somewhere you used to live. It touches on:
    Nostalgia: A yearning for a past time, often idealised, that may not even have existed.
    Grief and loss: A melancholic feeling for something irretrievably lost, whether a person, place, or a sense of belonging.
    Longing for something intangible: A yearning for a connection to something beyond the physical world, like heritage, community, or a sense of belonging.
    Uniquely Welsh: Hiraeth is deeply rooted in Welsh culture and history, reflecting the complex relationship between the Welsh people and their land. It captures a specific yearning for Wales, its landscapes, and its cultural identity.
    No perfect translation: Due to its nuanced nature, hiraeth is difficult to translate directly into English. It requires context and understanding of the cultural significance to truly grasp its meaning.

    Here are some similar concepts in other languages that capture different aspects of hiraeth:

    Saudade (Portuguese): A melancholic longing for something missing, often accompanied by a sense of incompleteness.
    Sehnsucht (German): A deep yearning for something unattainable, often accompanied by a sense of dissatisfaction with the present.
    Tizita (Amharic): A complex emotion encompassing longing, nostalgia, and bittersweet joy, often associated with specific cultural experiences.

    Hiraeth is a beautiful and evocative word that captures a unique emotional experience. Understanding its full meaning requires appreciating its cultural context and the complex emotions it carries.

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  • Misty Realms

    Misty Realms

    “Mist veils ancient tales,
    Gwrach y Rhibyn whispers doom,
    Welsh hearts etched in fear”

    Anthony
    Black sheep

    Hag of the Mist

    In the mist-shrouded realm of Welsh folklore, there exists the haunting spectre known as Gwrach y Rhibyn—the Hag of the Mist. This malevolent entity, draped in the cloak of death, emerges when the air thickens with an ominous fog. Gwrach y Rhibyn, a wretched crone with ancient secrets and supernatural powers, casts an unsettling shadow upon those unlucky enough to cross her path. Her appearance forebodes impending tragedy, and the mist itself seems to whisper tales of doom. In the misty veil between the living and the supernatural, Gwrach y Rhibyn innokes a chilling narrative, leaving a lingering sense of fear etched into the hearts of the Welsh people.

    Gwrach y Rhibyn

    Yn y byd cysegredig wedi’i wympasu â niwl yn chwedloniaeth Gymreig, mae yna ysbryd frawychus o’r enw Gwrach y Rhibyn— hag of the Mist. Cyfentrodd ysbryd niweidiol hwn, wedi’i wisgo mewn mantell angau, pan fydd yr awyr yn trwchus gyda niwl dywyll. Gwrach y Rhibyn, hen wrgi â chyfrinachau hynafol a phŵerau dychmygol, sy’n taflu cysgod anghyson ar y rhai anffawdus sy’n croesi ei lwybr. Mae ei hystyr yn rhagweld trais sy’n agosáu, ac mae’r niwl ei hun yn ymddangos fel bod yn sibrwd chwedlau o ddinistr. Yn y llenni niwlog rhwng y byw a’r gorllyd, mae Gwrach y Rhibyn yn ennyn naratif o oeri, gan adael teimlad parhaus o ofn wedi’i ysgrifennu yn llygaid pobl Cymru.

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  • Welsh Castles

    Welsh Castles

    Wales is often called the “land of castles” – and for a good reason. There are over 400 castles in this small country, ranging from ancient earthworks and stone ruins to magnificent fortresses and stately homes. In this blog post, I will explore some of the history and features of these castles, and why they are such an important part of Welsh culture and heritage.

    Carreg Cennen Castle
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    “Within the weathered stones of Welsh castles, whispers of ancient magic linger, transporting the imagination to realms of enchantment and wonder.”

    Anthony

    The earliest castles in Wales date back to the Iron Age, when the Celtic tribes built hillforts and defended settlements across the land. Some of these sites, such as Dinas Emrys and Tre’r Ceiri, are still visible today. The Romans also built forts and walls in Wales, such as Segontium and Caerleon, to protect their province of Britannia from the native Britons and the invading Saxons.

    The Norman conquest of England in 1066 brought a new wave of castle building in Wales, as the Normans and their allies sought to extend their control and influence over the Welsh kingdoms. They built motte-and-bailey castles, which consisted of a wooden tower on a raised mound (motte) and a walled courtyard (bailey), often surrounded by a ditch. Some of the most famous examples of these castles are Chepstow, Cardiff, and Pembroke. The Normans also rebuilt and enlarged some of the existing Roman and Welsh fortifications, such as Caerphilly and Caernarfon.

    The Welsh princes and lords resisted the Norman invasion and expansion, and built their own castles to defend their territories and assert their authority. These castles were often made of stone, and had distinctive features such as round towers, gatehouses, and curtain walls. Some of the most impressive Welsh castles are Dolwyddelan, Castell y Bere, and Carreg Cennen (photoed). The Welsh castles also reflected the culture and identity of their builders, and often incorporated elements of Welsh art and architecture, such as carvings, sculptures, and inscriptions.

    The 13th century saw the rise of King Edward I of England, who launched a series of campaigns to conquer Wales and end the Welsh resistance. He built a ring of massive and sophisticated castles along the north and west coast of Wales, such as Conwy, Beaumaris, Harlech, and Criccieth. These castles were designed to dominate the landscape and intimidate the Welsh population, and were also symbols of royal power and prestige. They were built by master masons and engineers, and had advanced features such as concentric walls, moats, drawbridges, portcullises, and arrow slits. These castles are considered to be some of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in Europe, and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd.

    The 15th century saw the emergence of a Welsh hero, Owain Glyndŵr, who led a rebellion against English rule and proclaimed himself Prince of Wales. He captured and destroyed many of the English and Norman castles, and built his own castles, such as Sycharth and Dolbadarn, to rally his supporters and allies. His rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, but he inspired generations of Welsh patriots and nationalists.

    The 16th century saw the Tudor dynasty come to power in England, which had Welsh origins. The Tudors brought a period of relative peace and stability to Wales, and also enacted the Laws in Wales Acts, which integrated Wales into the English legal and administrative system. The Tudors also patronized and renovated some of the Welsh castles, such as Raglan and Carew, and transformed them into comfortable and elegant residences. The Tudors also adopted the Welsh dragon as part of their heraldry and flag, which is still used today as the national emblem of Wales.

    The 17th century saw the outbreak of the English Civil War, which divided the country between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians. Many of the Welsh castles were involved in the conflict, and changed hands several times. Some of the castles were besieged, damaged, or demolished, such as Denbigh, Holt, and Chirk. Some of the castles were also used as prisons, garrisons, or headquarters, such as Caerphilly, Powis, and Ludlow.

    The 18th and 19th centuries saw the rise of the Industrial Revolution, which transformed the economy and society of Wales. Many of the Welsh castles were neglected, abandoned, or sold, and some of them were used as quarries, factories, or mines, such as Flint, Kidwelly, and Caldicot. Some of the castles were also restored, preserved, or rebuilt, by wealthy landowners, antiquarians, or architects, such as Penrhyn, Castell Coch, and Penhow. Some of the castles were also donated, leased, or sold to the public, the state, or charitable organizations, such as Tretower, Dinefwr, and Plas Mawr.

    The 20th and 21st centuries saw the growth of tourism, education, and conservation in Wales. Many of the Welsh castles are now open to visitors, and are managed by various bodies, such as Cadw, the National Trust, and local authorities. The castles are also used for various events, activities, and exhibitions, such as festivals, concerts, weddings, and re-enactments. The castles are also sources of research, learning, and inspiration, for historians, archaeologists, students, and artists. The castles are also part of the national identity and pride of Wales, and are celebrated in literature, music, and art.

    The castles of Wales are a rich and diverse legacy of the past, and a living and vibrant part of the present. They tell the stories of the people, events, and ideas that shaped the history and culture of Wales, and also reflect the changes and challenges that faced the country over the centuries. They are also monuments of beauty, skill, and creativity, and showcase the architectural and engineering achievements of their builders and designers. They are also places of wonder, mystery, and romance, and invite us to explore, discover, and enjoy them. They are, in short, the treasures of Wales.

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  • Discovering the Welsh Cob

    Discovering the Welsh Cob

    A Pony with Heart and Soul
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    The Welsh cob, also known as the Welsh pony of cob type, is a versatile and hardy breed of pony that hails from Wales. These ponies are known for their strong and compact build, as well as their docile and friendly personalities.

    One of the defining characteristics of the Welsh cob is its thick, flowing mane and tail. This, combined with their strong and sturdy build, makes them a popular choice for showing and driving. They are also well-suited for a variety of other activities, such as jumping and dressage, and are often used as a children’s pony due to their calm and patient nature.

    The Welsh cob’s history can be traced back to the 13th century, when they were used by farmers and miners in Wales. They were bred to be strong and sturdy, able to pull heavy loads and work long hours in harsh conditions. Today, the Welsh cob is still used for a variety of purposes, including riding, driving, and as a companion animal.

    The Welsh cob comes in a variety of colours, including black, bay, chestnut, and palomino. They range in height from 12 to 14 hands, and can weigh anywhere from 800 to 1,200 pounds.

    The Welsh cob breed is divided into four classes, each with their own specific characteristics and requirements. The main classes are:

    Section A: This class is for Welsh Mountain Ponies, which are the smallest and most delicate of the Welsh cobs. They stand at a maximum of 12.2 hands and have a refined head and elegant neck.

    Section B: This class is for Welsh Pony of Cob Type, which are slightly larger and heavier than the Section A ponies. They stand at a maximum of 14.2 hands and have a more substantial build and a stronger head.

    Section C: This class is for Welsh Cob, which are the largest and heaviest of the Welsh cobs. They stand at a minimum of 14 hands and have a strong and sturdy build, with a powerful head and neck. They are considered the most versatile of the Welsh cobs and are used for showing, driving, and jumping.

    Section D: This class is for Welsh Cob mares and geldings. They stand at a minimum of 14 hands and have a strong and sturdy build, with a powerful head and neck. They are used for a variety of activities, including showing, driving, and jumping.

    Overall, they are a beautiful and elegant animal that is both functional and versatile.

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