A Oes Heddwch?
Jane Harries describes the work for peace in Wales – yesterday and today
At the main literature awards ceremonies at the National Eisteddfod of Wales each year an interesting ritual takes place. The winning author is led to the stage where he or she stands waiting for their name to be proclaimed. Two druids hold a sheathed sword above the winner’s head, partly unsheathe it and ask the audience: ‘A oes Heddwch?’ (‘Is there peace?’) ‘Heddwch!’ (‘Peace!’) the audience shouts in return. Only after this ritual has been performed three times can the author sit in the bardic chair. The sword is then sheathed and put away. So, is Wales a peace-loving nation? What does our history and heritage tell us, and how are people, including Quakers, working for peace today?
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