In late 1905 Wales played their first Test (Rugby Union) against opposition from outside the Home Nations when they faced New Zealand (the All Blacks) at Cardiff Arms Park. New Zealand, later known as the Original All Blacks, were undefeated on their tour of the British Isles, and had already defeated England, Ireland and Scotland in three Tests before facing Wales. In response to the All Blacks' haka (a Maori posture dance) that they performed before their matches, "the boys" were to sing a song as their response to the haka challenge - they started and the 47,000 strong crowd took up the song and sung the Welsh National Anthem, Hen Wlad fy Nhadau (Land of Our Fathers). This was the first time a national anthem had been sung before a sporting fixture. Wales' winger Teddy Morgan scored first to give Wales a 3–0 lead, but later in the match All Black Bob Deans claimed to have scored a try, only to be dragged behind the line before the referee could arrive. The referee ruled a scrum to Wales, and the score did not change; Wales winning 3–0.[6] The loss was the All Blacks only loss on their 35 match tour.
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mâd,
Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.
Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad.
Tra môr yn fur i'r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau.
Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd,
Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i'm golwg sydd hardd;
Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
Ei nentydd, afonydd, i mi.
Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad tan ei droed,
Mae hen iaith y Cymry mor fyw ag erioed,
Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.
A literal translation:
The old land of my fathers is dear to me,
Land of poets and singers, famous men of renown;
Her brave warriors, very splendid patriots,
For freedom shed their blood.
Nation [or country], Nation, I am true to my Nation.
While the sea [is] a wall to the pure, most loved land,
O may the old language [sc. Cymraeg] endure.
Old mountainous Wales, paradise of the bard,
Every valley, every cliff, to me is beautiful.
Through patriotic feeling, so charming is the murmur
Of her brooks, rivers, to me.
If the enemy oppresses my land under his foot,
The old language of the Welsh is as alive as ever.
The muse is not hindered by the hideous hand of treason,
Nor [is] the melodious harp of my country.
"Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" , usually translated as "Land of Our Fathers", but literally - Old country of my fathers - is, the national anthem of Wales. The words were written by Evan James and the tune composed by his son, James James, both residents of Pontypridd, Glamorgan, in January 1856. The earliest written copy survives and is part of the collections of the National Library of Wales.
Origins
Glan Rhondda (Banks of the Rhondda), as it was known when it was composed, was first performed in the vestry of the original Capel Tabor, Maesteg,(which later became a Workingmen's Club), in either January or February 1856, by Elizabeth John from Pontypridd, and it soon became popular in the locality.
James James, the composer, was a harpist who played his instrument in the public house he ran, for the purpose of dancing. The song was originally intended to be performed in 6/8 time, but had to be slowed down to its present rhythm when it began to be sung by large crowds.
Popularity
The popularity of the song increased after the Llangollen Eisteddfod of 1858. Thomas Llewelyn of Aberdare won a competition for an unpublished collection of Welsh airs with a collection that included Glan Rhondda. The adjudicator of the competition, "Owain Alaw" (John Owen, 1821-1883) asked for permission to include Glan Rhondda in his publication, Gems of Welsh melody (1860-64). This volume gave Glan Rhondda its more famous title, Hen wlad fy nhadau, and was sold in large quantities and ensured the popularity of the national anthem across the whole of Wales.
At the Bangor Eisteddfod of 1874 Hen Wlad fy Nhadau gained further popularity when it was sung by Robert Rees ("Eos Morlais"), one of the leading Welsh soloists of his day. It was increasingly sung at patriotic gatherings and gradually it developed into a national anthem.
First recorded Welsh-language song
Hen wlad fy nhadau was also one of the first Welsh-language songs recorded when Madge Breese sang it on 11 March 1899, for the Gramophone Company, as part of the first recording in the Welsh language.
Footnote for Americans. 16 of the 35 men that signed The Declaration of Independence were of Welsh origin - came from wales. These men formed the largest group of individuals greater than any other nation who signed this said document. We're in your soul, America!
Hi,
I've had a couple of messages about the video and additional information I've put up here. Without causing any embarassment, I have been thanked by a lady who cried when she listened to the video. While her New Zealander husband disagreed with the 1905 result. It's in her soul.
I've also been contacted by a "boy" from Mumbles, who now lives in Australia... it's in his soul to.
I should add that I get emotional.... reading when the first time our Anthem was sung ay a sports event. Picture the occassion with 15 young men, nervously waiting for the game to start. Watching and seeing a New Zealand haka challenge. Ready to sing a popular song back as a response.... starting the first few words and without any prompting 47,000 voices give vent. Wow, what a stirring and exceptional moment...... It was in their soul...
Y Ddraig Goch (The Red Dragon - banner/flag) is flying from a small village flag pole, Pontgarreg next to the village hall - like many other villages in Wales. Fluttering in the breeze ....
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