Why is the daffodil a national symbol of Wales?

Question

Why is the daffodil a national symbol of Wales?

Answer 1

The leek and the daffodil - both emblems of Wales.

They share the Welsh name Ceninen.

The leek is known to have been displayed as a Welsh emblem in 1536 and in Henry V, Shakespeare acknowledged this as an ancient custom. One legend tells of a battle between the Welsh and the Saxons fought in a field of leeks. At some time in the past, the leek was an important part of the diet but it is not commonly eaten today. It is delicious when part of the traditional leek and potato soup.  

The daffodil has no such claim to literary and historical distinction. It has become the more favoured emblem of late, however, since some people find that it makes a more attractive buttonhole on St. David's day . Daffodils and new-born lambs herald the summer in Wales.

Answer 2

Because they're all "daff"t isn't it :-)

Answer 3

Yes, Brian P is RIGHT.

Daffodil bulbs are VERY POISONOUS INDEED!

They contain toxins that, in small amounts, cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Larger amounts are fatal - they destroy the central nervous system.

DON'T EVER EAT DAFFODILS!

Answer 4

Times must get tough for the Welsh to follow some of the advice given just!!!!! Aren't daffodil bulbs poisonous????

OR does old lady not like the Welsh??????

Answer 5

Why is anything a symbol? The people of Wales adopted it because ite was nothing like the English rose, the Scotch thistle or the Irish shamrock. It is bright, it is distinctive, and when times are tough you can eat the bulbs.

Answer 6

Because England got in first with the rose.

Answer 7

i thought it was a dragon?

Answer 8

Because they are yellow.  (only joking)

Its because there are numerous daffodils in wales, and certain unique species, therefore they wear and use it as their symbol

Answer 9

It is said by some that the daffodil is encouraged more by the English government, as it does not have the nationalistic overtones that the leek has, with its association with the defeat of Saxons.

There are many explanations of how the leek (daffodil) came to be adopted as the national emblem of Wales. One is that St David advised the Welsh, on the eve of battle with the Saxons, to wear leeks in their caps to distinguish friend from foe. As Shakespeare records in Henry V, the Welsh archers wore leeks at the battle of Agincourt in 1415.