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Who Are The
Welsh
The Welsh, Cornish and Bretons of France are the remnants of the Brithonic
Celts of Western Europe and the British Isles. The name "British" derives
from these ancient peoples, not the English who are of Germanic origins. At
one time England was full of their Brithonic relatives as well, until the
arrival and colonisation by the English.
The Welsh are direct descendants of
the earliest modern men of Europe. Recent genetic studies have proven they
and their Gaelic and Basque relatives probably supplanted the Neanderthals
and, thus, are native to Europe for 15.000-25.000 years. Sometime after the
last Ice Age, Great Britain, newly carved away from France, was settled by
their ancestors. About 2100 years ago, the Romans conquered much of Europe
including Great Britain, but not Scotland or Ireland. Around 500, the Welsh
and other native Celts found new problems from three invading Germanic
tribes -- the Angles, Saxons and Jutes -- or English, as they are now known.
Although "conquered" and dominated for 2100
years, the Welsh have never lost their culture and customs, and remain today
largely Celts, genetically as well. The Welsh also claim St. Patrick, a
native "Romanised Celt", and King Arthur of legend as their own. And,
from the days
when Cornwall was still part of Wales, they claim relics from Christ's
visits with his uncle Joseph of Aramathea, a metals merchant, who, it is
claimed, often traveled
to the tin mines there.
The Welsh maintain their proud
heritage, and language today, and have a vital musical heritage, known
worldwide. They are adopting the kilt, or "cilt" to the Welsh, as the national
dress with new tartans for the most common family names.
Copyright all images and content, Charlie Evans Weir 2006.
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