At Gifts with heart we offer a wide range of personalised Welsh gifts. We believe that gifts customised to your requirements, make them that little bit extra special. We have compiled a list of our favourite choices from around the web and in our shop to give you some ideas to assist you to make your all important purchase.
Author: graham
Calon Lan translation and facts
Calon Lan
Calon Lan, with the exception of the Welsh National Anthem, would surely be the song that would most spring to mind when discussing Wales’ most popular national songs. It would be difficult to imagine that anybody wouldn’t be moved by a stirring rendition of the song, such as sung by Bryn Terfel and the Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera. With the lyrics expounding the thriving for a pure heart and the music comprising a beautiful emotive melody, for many Welsh people it is difficult to keep the tears at bay. With this in mind it is amazing that the song is rumoured to have been written on no more than the back of a cigarette packet in a pub. How could such an important song, to so many, have started out with such humble beginnings? This blog discusses the history of the song, it’s cultural importance in Welsh life, different Welsh musician’s versions and an English translation too.
Welsh Crafts – a complete guide
Welsh crafts have always been at the heart of Welsh life and have derived from all corners of the country.
From potters, artists, carvers, to weavers there has always been a strong tradition of making quality crafts by hand. This is still very much kept alive today by great demand for quality Welsh products such as thick and warm tapestry blankets, intricate hand carved love spoons and contemporary pottery. This blog entry discusses the major areas of Welsh arts and crafts, including
- Welsh quilt making
- Welsh slate craft
- Welsh love spoons
- Welsh blacksmith craft
- Welsh beer making
- Welsh pottery making
- Welsh corn dollies
- Welsh wool craft
Moreover, it talks about places that can be explored to learn more about the magic of the Welsh craft making traditions.
Sosban fach translation and amazing facts
Sosban Fach translated into English is the little saucepan. The strange little tune, musically similar to an old Welsh hymn, has arguably become the most popular of Welsh folk songs. It has been adopted by Welsh people as a song that is held dear to their hearts. Sung and memorised in schools, children grow up with the words and tune in their heads. Welsh choirs give passionate renditions of the song in concert halls and rugby fans sing it inspiring their sides to victory, also leaving saucepans dangling from rugby posts (read further to learn more).
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9 of the Best Welsh Handmade Gifts
Shopping for gifts for someone that seemingly has everything? When you have a friend or family member that is notoriously difficult to shop for, nothing seems to fit. Then again, at Gifts With Heart, we specialize in affordable and unique gifts that are bound to bring joy even to those that are impossible to please.
Our Welsh gifts are all handmade in Wales and can help you think outside the box for the next birthday, holiday, or any day you feel like showering a loved one with something special. Take a look below at 9 of the best Welsh handmade gifts to give on your next gift-giving occasion!
10 extraordinary Welsh castles facts
As Welsh castles are such an important feature on the Welsh landscape, we at Welsh gifts with heart have compiled a list of ten Welsh castles facts that we believe are both interesting and enlightening.
Welsh Pottery: The Ultimate Guide
For thousands of years, pottery and ceramics have been a part of human civilization. Relics of this nature from the past offer us a glimpse into what life was like for our ancestors. Today’s pottery will no doubt do the same for those that come after us.
Welsh pottery found its success in 1764, influenced by renowned Josiah Wedgwood. From there, this stunning form expanded from pottery to porcelain, making it a most coveted gift from Wales. The pottery from Wales became such a delicate collectible, one that is still very much sought after.
Speaking of gifts, Gifts with Heart sells Welsh pottery, a perfect surprise for your loved ones to treasure or perhaps something to keep all to yourself. We invite you to browse our selection of charming offerings that include Welsh pottery among other things, but first, we’d love to tell you more about the humble history of Welsh pottery.
Welsh slate quarries
As a Welsh gifts seller that offers a range of slate products, we decided to embark upon a quest to learn more about Welsh slate quarries and their history. Initially slate was extracted for roofing tiles and for marking graves. Wales was a very important exporter of slate to locations all across the globe. Welsh slate has become less sought after though due to cost primarily. Nevertheless, some quarries still operate on a small scale and slate products can be found in households across Wales in the kitchen, garden and as home decoration. Not to mention the slate that has been skilfully used in building construction, such as the Millennium centre and the National Assembly building in Cardiff to accentuate Welsh identity.
What is Welsh Gold and Why You Should Own Some
Do you love wearing jewellery or know someone that does? Gold jewellery is always such a special gift to give, and even better to receive. There are many types of gold out there but surely, one of the most special among them is that of Welsh gold.
There are many things that make this type of gold unique. To find out more, Welsh gold has a robust history that goes back quite some time.
The History of Welsh Gold
Welsh gold is special because it is found naturally occurring in two areas of Wales, making it very scarce. One of the areas it’s in is North Wales. The band spans from Barmouth upward toward Snowdonia. The largest mines were the Gwynfynydd Gold Mine, which is close to Ganllwyd, as well as the Clogau Gold Mine, close to Bontddu. The other area it’s found in is in South Wales near the valley of the River Cothi at Dolaucothi. It was once mined by the Romans in this location.
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What is the National Symbol of Wales?
The rich and varied history of Wales has left a long list of national symbols in its wake, with each representing the country’s values and ideals during the different periods of their arrival. As far as national symbols go, Wales has managed to acquire an eclectic collection over the centuries.
The national symbols of Wales have ranged from mighty creatures of legend, such as the red dragon, to slightly more mundane vegetables such as the leek. But what is the current national symbol of Wales, and how did it come to be recognized as such?