Evening star., 1933-09-03

OF all the Summer festivals that at
tract worldwide attention none possess
the unique quality of this carnival in
the small country of Wales. Other
European festivals have for their pur-
pose the perpetuation Of the works of
some one man. or the honoring of
certain group, but the Royal National
Eisteddfod of Wales is for the account
ing and awarding of the artistic prog
ress of people. 1t is a manifestation
of a nations deep interest in and ap-
probation of the practice and develop
ment of the arts. 1t represents
sacred adherence to an undying tradl-
tion and a record of cultural history
without parallel.
Wales is the only country in the
world where art has seemed of sufh-
cient importance to the life of the peo-
pie that an entire week should be set
aside for universal celebration in its
honor. During this time, prince and
peasant meet with a common interest,
learned professor and busy executive
leave their occupations and social ac-
tivities and religious duties become
secondary to this joyous gathering in
the cause of art Caste barriers are
banished for these famous days, when
art is talked of, and no thought is given
the social standing of the winner in
the enthusiastic outburst that proclaims
his victory. For these Cymric people, of
all the world, are the only ones to exalt
to the highest rank the profession OF
artist.
A curious linking of the present day
with a period a thousand years before
the advent of Christianity is accom-
plished at each of these yearly reunions.
The ancient titles of bard" and druid"
which figure so prominently today con-
jure up picture of the centuries when
news of princely conquests or tales OF
the latest wars were brought to castle
and stronghold by the travelling minstrel
and of a religion practiced in a forest
cathedral and in worship of the great
the sun god and the bardS of old gave
poetic expression to their calling and
the tales that enlivened many noble
household were sung in metrical form
to the accompaniment of the harp while
the chants of the druidS were in like
form to the sweet music of Celtic pipes.
Following the orders laid down by the
ancient Gorsecd, OF national assembly
of bards, the meetings are held in an
open space, 'in the face of the sun and
the eye of light after the date has
been proclaimed "a twelve months and
a day" beforehand The musical pro-
II dlii ID lildOC uP OI VSoe llOliiDCAo given
by orchestras, choirs, instrumental and
vocal soloists, folk songs and folk dances
and children pageants based on Welsh
legends On the morning of the open
ing day the different groups whose
names are entered as contestants form
into bands and march to the great pa
vilion singing Welsh folk songs as they
go. Inside the enormous hall is hung
with the traditional Cymric colors of
green and white ornamented with
heraldic designs amongst which stands
out the Flaming Dragon, the royal
crest of the Tudor monarchs of Wales.
From all points wave banners of white
on which are emblazoned in red Gym
ric letters the names of the celebrated
dead bards of Wales.
When all are assembled, the judges
composed of those who have already at
tanned the highest honors in the bardic
and druidic orders, arrive. Before the
great stone, Maen Llog, erected and
consecrated each year for these cere-
monies, the Arch-Druid receives the
Horn of Plenty, blesses it to provide
year of prosperity. draws the great
symbolical sword of the Gorseda, asks
If there be peace and receives the an
swer Peace" from the entire assembly.
Then, entering the great auditorium
filled with 1900 people standing to do
him honor. the Arch-Druid and the ac-
companying bards proceed to the plat