Wales’ highest mountain has been the subject of a campaign to rename Snowdon to Yr Wyddfa and Snowdonia to Eryri. A motion was presented to the Snowdonia National Park Authority by a Gwynedd County Councilor.
The historic North Wales mountain measures 1,085m and attracts around 400,000 visitors each year.
Snowdonia National Park is home to 15 scenic mountains – the first believed to have been formed over 350 million years ago.
Councilor John Pughe Roberts has offered to change his name to help restore the Welsh language.
Mr Roberts, who represents Corris and Mawddwy, said some members “were complaining that people change house names, rock names, rename mountains.”
He added that the thinking behind the proposal was “very much a matter of respect” for the Welsh language and Wales.
Speaking on BBC Radio Cymru’s Dros Frecwast program, Mr Roberts said: “In this area for example Bwlch y Groes has become Hellfire Pass, Dol Hir is known as Longmeadow and it happens in many areas.
“The people in authority are complaining that people come here and change their house names in English.
“I’m saying we have to lead by example. I’m proud to be Welsh and it’s my mother tongue so I say we should respect it.
“If you go to France, Italy or any other country they respect their language and so should we.”
According to folklore, the giant Rhita Gawr, the King of Wales, was buried atop Snowdon following a battle with King Arthur.
Legend has it that the giant defeated 29 other kings of Great Britain.
Snowdonia’s Welsh name, Eryri, is believed to come from Latin – meaning to rise.
READ MORE: UK plans major change after reminding EU who’s in charge
Mr Roberts said he was “understandably disappointed” with the outcome and accused the authority of “sending the box to another committee”.
SNPA (Snowdonia National Park Authority) Chairman Wyn Ellis Jones said: “Authority members have decided that there is no need to view the motion today as a place name task. Welsh and the finishing group has already been named.
“This follows an earlier review by members in a working group that recommended establishing and adopting guidelines to guide the use of place names by the SNPA.”
He added: “The authority is committed to protecting and promoting the use of indigenous place names for everyday use and for future generations.”
More about this article: Read More
Source: feedproxy.google.com
This notice was published: 2021-04-29 12:05:00
