Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain
The Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain ([ˈɡɔːrsɛð ˈbeɪrð ˈənɪs ˈprədaɪn]; "Throne of the Bards of the Isle of Britain") or Gorsedd Y Beirdd for short ([ˈɡɔːrsɛð ə ˈbeɪrð]; "Throne of the Bards") is a Welsh bards association . Members are poets , writers , musicians , artists and other public figures who have made significant or substantial contributions to the Welsh language , literature and culture. The aim of this association of bards is to revive Celtic traditions . There are also other Gorseddau in originally British- speaking Celtic areas: the Gorsedh Kernow from Cornwall and the Goursez Breizh from Brittany . In English the term Gorsedd of Bards or Gorsedd of Wales is used.
history
The Gorsedd was founded in 1792 by Edward Williams , also known as Iolo Morganwg. The founding ceremony took place at Primrose Hill in London that same year . Williams wanted to refer to medieval bard associations and had developed bard rituals , which he assumed were based on the activities of the Celtic druids , but where he also consciously resorted to Christian rituals. There is evidence that the Gorsedd first appeared at the Eisteddfod in 1819 . The Eisteddfod is a festival of literature and music that dates back to the 12th century and was also revived in the 18th century.
The Mystic Mark
Williams also thought of the symbol / | \ , which represents sun rays emanating from a center and is supposed to symbolize the virtues of love , justice and truthfulness . It is known as The Mystic Mark or The Mark of the Ray of Light . Williams used it very little, not until 1833 was it first seen in proclamations and in 1850 on banners of the Gorsedds of Bards. Today this sign is used extensively. The Gorseddau of Cornwall and Brittany also use this symbol. In Cornwall it is called Awen .
Ranks and chief
There are three ranks among the members of the Gorsedds of Bards, historically derived from the three degrees of Freemasonry . These are in ascending order:
The Gorsedd's robes were designed in 1895 by the then very well-known painter and sculptor Hubert von Herkomer and were based on Celtic druid costumes.
The head of the Gorsedd is the Archdderwydd (Archdruid), who is elected for a term of four years previously, now three years and is responsible for organizing and directing the Gorsedd ceremonies at the Eisteddfod festival. These ceremonies are held to honor literary works by Welsh poets and prose writers. In 2014, Christine James was the first woman to be elected archdruid.
Ceremonies
Three ceremonies are held at the Eisteddfod:
- Coroni: Coronation of the Bard for Best Poem in Free Measure
- Cadeirio: installation (literally seating) of the bard for the best poem
- Awarding of the prose medal for the winner of the prose competition
Archdruid can only become a member of the Gorsedd who has been crowned or appointed bard at least once.
During these ceremonies, the Archdderwydd and the members of the Gorsedd gather on the Eisteddfod stage in their robes. When the Archdderwydd announces the winner's identity, a trumpet will call the community and the Gorsedd prayer will be sung. The Archdderwydd pulls a sword from its scabbard three times. He yells, “Is there peace?” And the crowd replies, “Peace”. Then the horn of plenty is presented to the Archdderwydd by a young local married woman who urges him to drink the "wine of welcome". A young girl offers him a basket of "Flowers from the land of Wales". A flower dance is performed for this purpose.
admission
A person can become an ovate or a bard by passing an exam in the Welsh language. Druids can only be called by existing druids. Public figures are occasionally named Ovates, or Druids, to honor their contributions to Welsh culture. In recent years Rowan Williams , Archbishop of Canterbury, Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd and singer Dafydd Iwan have all been honored in this way. Queen Elizabeth II is Honorary Druid of Gorsedd. To be accepted as a druid, a person must have won at least one of the three main prizes, crown, chair or medal.
Previous archdruids
- 1876-1894: David Griffiths
- 1895–1905: Rowland Williams (Hwfa Mon)
- 1905-1923: Evan Rees
- 1923-1924: John Cadfan Davies
- 1924-1928: Howell Elvet Lewis
- 1928-1932: John Owen-Williams
- 1932-1936: John Jenkins
- 1936-1939: John James Williams
- 1939-1947: William Williams
- 1947-1950: William Evans
- 1950–1953: Albert Evans-Jones
- 1954–1957: John Dyfnallt Owen
- 1957-1960: William Morris
- 1960–1962: Edgar Phillips
- 1963-1966: Albert Evans-Jones
- 1966-1969: E. Gwyndaf Evans
- 1969–1972: Gwilym Richard Tilsley
- 1972-1975: Brinley Richards
- 1975-1978: R. Bryn Williams
- 1978-1981: Geraint Bowen
- 1981-1984: James Nicholas
- 1984-1987: WJ Gruffydd
- 1987-1990: Emrys Roberts
- 1990-1993: William George
- 1993-1996: John Gwilym Jones
- 1996-1999: Dafydd Rowlands
- 2002-2005: Robyn Léwis
- 2005-2008: Selwyn Iolen
- 2008-2009: Dic Jones
- 2010-2013: T. James Jones
- 2013–2016: Christine James
- 2016–2019: Geraint Lloyd Owen
- 2019-2022: Myrddin ap Dafydd
Individual evidence
- ↑ Archive link ( Memento of the original from April 25, 2009 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Archive link ( Memento of the original from April 25, 2009 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Archive link ( Memento of the original from April 25, 2009 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Archive link ( Memento of the original from August 13, 2009 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Archive link ( Memento of the original dated February 6, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ a b c Archive link ( Memento of the original dated August 10, 2009 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Archive link ( Memento of the original from May 27, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Archive link ( Memento of the original from January 11, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Archive link ( Memento of the original from July 12, 2009 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
