Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1890-02-27
THE EIsTEDDFOD.
What 1t Is-Where 1t Originated--SOme
of the Results to be Obtained.

The Grand Musical Eisteddfod to be
held in Yannes' Opera House, Saturday
next, is one that should interest all
classes. Its origin dates back to the an
cient bards. The meaning of the word
"Eisteddfod" is from EsStedd to sit.
The first eminent bard of whose period
of existence we have distinct record
was Myrddin, the bard of Prince Emrys,
the first Merlin of romance, who flourish
ed about the year 450. The most gifted
among modern bards was perhaps
Dafydd, as Gwylem sometimes called
the Ovid of Wales, the poet of love and
song.
The earliest Welsh prose literature is
the triads, said to be of Druidic origin,
sort of Matims in triplets, each setting
| forth historical event or moral prin-
ciple.
Next is the CHRONICLES of the Kings
of the Isle of Britain, supposed to have
been written by Iysillo, in the 9TH CEN
tury, and said to be the original or chron-
icle of Geoffrey of Monmouth 1t was
continued to the year 1852 by Caradog, of
Llancarvan, whose work is also in exist
ence. The "Code of Howell Da," of the
18th century, is also an important literary
monument, as is the biography of
Gruffyd ap Cynan," of the 18th century.
The Welsh language has great power,
simplicity and precision. 1t isyery rich
especially in roots, and has remarkable
capacity to express an entire abstraction
in single word. Its literature has laid
claim to very ancient origin, but mod
ern criticism shows that even the earliest
Welsh writings are subsequent to the
Christian era.
After the conquest of Wales by Ed
ward list, of England, Q2S2 royal COM
missioners were appointed who presided
over the Eisteddfods, and acted the part
of censors and inquisitors. No bardic
poem was allowed to be circulated which
appealed to the Patriotic sentiments of
the conquered race. The last Eisieddfod
held under royal consent was in the
reign of Elizabeth, at Caerwys, in 1869.
On this occasion the winner of the silver
harp was Simon ap Williams ap Sion.
Various persons received degrees, some
as chief bards of vocal song, others as
primary secondary or probationary stud
ents, and many more as bards, students
and teachers of instrumental music and
| song.
| In l770 the Gwvnnedigion Society was
| formed, in 1918 the CambriaL Society
and some years later the Cymmoridiail
or Metropolitan Cambrian Institution, of
which George the 4th, of England, de-
clared himself the patron. Annual meet
ings have since been held for the recita-
ton and reward of prize poems, perform
ances on musical instruments and com
positions. From these have sprung up
different societies in all parts of the
world, where the Welsh language is
spoken. In later years large bodies of
Welsh emigrants came to this country,
and as consequence their native Ian
guage was brought into use, and indeed
there are communities in which it is the
prevailing tongue. Welsh periodicals,
newspapers, religious tracts and books
are published for the use of those of
Welsh origin
That the efforts of the Welsh people to
keep intact the language, literature and
traditions of their race has been success,
under such trying circumstances, can
easily be seen in noticing the interest
taken by them in their local and general
gatherings, and the friendly rivalry be-
tween the different choirs and others
who compete.
The Eisteddfod to be held here on
Saturday next promises to be of such
a nature, and of such importance to
our people as to enlist their cooperation,
and in no way can they show their ap-
probation than by attending it.
The sessions have been divided into
three, morning, afternoon and evening.
The admission to the three sessions is
one dollar; children, 30 cents.