🏴
Flag of Wales
flæg ʌv weɪlz
Definitions
1
National Symbols · Flags
Common
The national flag of Wales featuring a red dragon (Y Ddraig Goch) on a white and green background. Used to represent Welsh identity, nationality, and culture.
Used to express Welsh national pride, support Welsh sports teams, or indicate Welsh origin or connection.
So proud of our team today! 🏴 #CymruAmByth
Social media during Welsh rugby or football matches
Born and raised in Cardiff 🏴 but living in London now.
Social media profile or biography
Unlike England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, Wales is not represented on the Union Jack, making this flag particularly important for Welsh identity.
2
Culture · Heritage
Common
Symbol used to celebrate Welsh culture, language, and traditions, including St. David's Day, Eisteddfod festivals, and other cultural events.
Often used alongside Welsh language phrases or when discussing Welsh cultural elements.
Happy St. David's Day! Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! 🏴
Messages on March 1st, Wales' national day
The red dragon has been associated with Wales for over a millennium and features prominently in Welsh mythology and national identity.
Evolution Timeline
1959
The red dragon flag was officially recognized as the Welsh national flag.
Growing Welsh national identity movement
2017
Addition of the Wales flag emoji to Unicode 10.0, giving digital representation to Welsh identity.
Campaign for Welsh digital representation
Cultural Context
The red dragon (Y Ddraig Goch) has been a symbol of Wales since the early Middle Ages, appearing in Arthurian legends and medieval Welsh poetry.
Wales is home to one of Europe's oldest living languages. The flag emoji often accompanies Welsh language text online, supporting digital language preservation.
Unlike other UK nations, Wales isn't represented on the Union Jack, making this flag particularly important for Welsh identity assertion.
The flag represents not just Wales but broader Celtic identity and is sometimes used in pan-Celtic contexts alongside Irish, Scottish, Breton, Cornish, and Manx symbols.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Most frequent usage, especially in Wales itself. Used with strong emotional connection to Welsh identity, language revival, and independence movements.
United States
Used primarily by Welsh-Americans to celebrate heritage, especially during St. David's Day and cultural festivals.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Used primarily during sporting events and national holidays. Less frequent in everyday digital communication.
Gen_Z: Frequently used on TikTok and Instagram to express Welsh identity and during sporting events. Often paired with Welsh language hashtags.
Older: Limited usage, primarily for formal national occasions and celebrations of Welsh heritage.
Millennials: Common on Twitter and Facebook, especially during rugby matches, cultural events, and political discussions about Welsh independence.
Common Combinations
🏴❤️
Love for Wales or Welsh pride
Used to express affection for Wales, its culture, or people
🏴🏉
Welsh rugby support
Rugby is Wales' national sport and a major source of national pride
🏴🐑
Welsh countryside or sheep farming
References Wales' agricultural heritage and sheep farming tradition
🏴🎵
Welsh music tradition
References Wales' strong choral and musical traditions