Why is the Daffodil a Symbol of Wales?

Daffodils are a more recent symbol of Wales compared to leeks and dragons. But they have quickly become one of the nation's most recognizable emblems. So how did this happen?

Daffodils are a symbol of Wales because they bloom around the 1st of March each year, just in time for St David's Day which is the national day of Wales. They became a popular symbol in the 19th century when David Lloyd George, a British prime minister of Welsh descent, advocated their use.

Keep reading to find out more about the history of the daffodil in Wales and how it came to replace the leek as the St David's Day symbol.

Why is the Daffodil a Symbol of Wales?

Daffodils can be seen blooming all across Wales around the 1st of March each year which coincides with St David's Day. It is thought that this is why they became a symbol of Wales.

Although daffodils have bloomed in Wales for thousands of years, they became a popular symbol in 1911 when David Lloyd George, of Welsh descent and the only ever British Prime Minister whose first language was Welsh, advocated their use at the investiture ceremony when Edward VIII was made Prince of Wales (source: J.S. Ellis, Welsh History Review, Vol. 18, Iss. 2, 1996).

The Welsh word for daffodil is 'Cenhinen Bedr'. The literal translation of this is 'Peter's Leek' which relates to one of the other emblems of Wales, the leek. Some suggest that this closely related name could have caused confusion and led to the use of a daffodil instead of a leek.

Are Daffodils Native to Wales?

Yes, daffodils are native to Wales. The wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) can be found all over Europe from Wales to Germany and down to Portugal.

The sub-species known as the Tenby Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus ssp. obvallaris) is the true St David's Day daffodil. It grows in the wild across South Wales and is notable because the flower is completely yellow (source: Royal Botanical Gardens).

Daffodil vs Leek

Although daffodils are commonly worn by Welsh people on St David's Day and at sporting events to support Wales, it is a relatively new symbol of Wales.

Before this, the leek was a much more common emblem worn by Welsh people. The origin of this likely dates back to the Battle of Crécy in 1346 when Welsh archers defeated French soldiers in a field of leeks (source: A. Chapman, The Hundred Years War (Part III), pp. 217–230, 2013).

Back home, leeks were worn to honour their bravery which became an annual tradition on St David's Day. Read our full article to find out more about how leeks became a Welsh symbol.

Although most people wear daffodils in modern-day Wales, the Welsh National Guard still feature a leek in their cap badge and school children often make leeks to wear alongside the daffodil for the national day.

Related Questions

What is the National Flower of Wales?

The daffodil is widely considered to be the national flower of Wales.

What is Daffodil in Welsh?

Daffodil in Welsh is 'Cenhinen Bedr' which literally translates into English as 'Peter's Leek'.