I've never been to Wales, and my closest family connection is 3-4 generations back (Miners from Aberdare, came to Colorado and worked the coal mines in the mid-1800's). But I have always felt a connection to Wales. My mom always said she gave me a Welsh name in honor of our heritage and because the Welsh are known for being creative and musical. I think that's partly why I grew to feel Welsh in some way.

The history of Wales and its literary and music heritage resonate deeply with me. I think it probably would even without the family connection. I follow the current news and events, and I am excited to finally have a chance to learn the language. If someone asks me what my ethnic heritage is, beyond just being American, I'd probably say Welsh first, even though I'm probably more English and German. My heart is Welsh, and to me that matters most.

I don't know why or how. I've heard people talk about hiraeth, and I think that's what it is for me. Maybe Wales chose me, and that's why I'm Welsh. I can only hope so.

Hey, a fellow Nebraskan! I've lived here since I was a baby. I know what you mean about knowing the land and feeling that connection. And yet, even with that, I also feel sometimes like I don't really belong here, even though I have that emotional connection.

I think belonging and identity is as much about what resonates with your personality and soul as it is upbringing or culture. There are a lot of different ways to be part of something or to identify with something.

I was really hoping to see more folks respond to this. I'm very interested in knowing what is the perceived quintessence of being Welsh, and if it's different for those that grew up or lived there and those that are of Welsh descent but have no direct experience of the nation itself. I know for me, coming very late to the game, it's beginning to revolve around the language, the Mabinogion, the legacy of the bards, the food, the geography, and the history. But there's also a "modern Wales" component that seems to be more about politics, rugby, and more recent history. What says anyone? What about other forms of entertainment (games other than Rugby ). I know authentic costume is a bit of a problem. What about dance? There may be answers here somewhere that I just haven't stumbled upon yet ....

On Friday, 1st March, in the Western Mail, there was a feature by Abbie Wightwick (English/Irish) on what it means to be Welsh in 2013. I've tried looking up the article on WalesOnline but failed to find it.

She mentions at the start of the feature that her children see themselves as Welsh, even though their father is Norwegian/Scottish/English and she is English/Irish.

Ten people were asked about their Welshness. (1) Vimla Patel, Chair of the Hindu Council of Wales, said that she arrived in Wales from Uganda in 1972, having been evicted by Idi Amin. She has Indian heritage, spent her childhood in Uganda, came to Britain and became a citizen and says Wales is important to her and she always wears a daffodil on St David's Day.

(2) Beverley Lennon was born in London to Jamaican-born parents and moved to Wales 25 years ago. In the 1990s, she taught herself Welsh and became the first black Welsh teacher in Cardiff. She sent two of her three sons to Welsh-medium schools and presented a programme for Radio Cymru. She feels passionately about Wales although she never forgets her Jamaican heritage.

(3) Charlotte Britton is English but moved to Wales as a student 5 years ago. She is a keen Plaid Cymru member and Welsh learner.

(4) Elfed Roberts was born in Gwynedd and he's the chief executive of the National Eisteddfod. He spends time travelling around Wales visiting local communities and encouraging people to get involved in Welsh language and bilingual activities.

(5) Elin Parisa Fouladi is a singer and teacher who was born in Cardiff to a Welsh mother and Iranian father. She works as a teaching assistant in Cardiff when she's not recording songs in Welsh. She speaks Welsh fluently and thinks of herself as a Welsh Iranian.

(6) Ai-Lin Kee is Malaysian by birth. She came on a visit to Wales a decade ago and liked it so much she stayed. She works for Cardiff & Co (a firm promoting Cardiff as a visitor destination) and is learning Welsh (in addition to the 5 languages she already speaks). She feels Welsh and likes the concept of a shared identity.

(7) Claude-Annik Rapport was born in France and moved to Wales 40 years ago to work as a French teacher in Cardiff. She married and is now Honorary Consul for France in Wales. Her great, great grandfather, William Spring, was mayor of Swansea in 1904. Spring's father was a sea captain from Nantes. She feels both Welsh and French.

(8) John Rostron was born in England but went to Wales to study 22 years ago and never left. He's a music promoter, organiser of the Swn Festival and head of the Welsh Music Foundation. He defines himself as Welsh, is a Welsh learner and married a Welshwoman.

(9) Nasir Shathur was forced to leave Iraq after religious persecution. He moved to Cardiff in 1990 where he lives with his wife and 4 children (all of whom were born in Cardiff) and he works for the local council. He says that Wales is his adopted country and he feels free and at peace. He loves Welsh rugby, the Welsh flag and the national anthem.

(10) Ashleigh Edwards grew up in the USA and is the great grand-daughter of Welsh Americans. She moved to Wales 9 years ago, learnt the language and started a business making Welsh language cards. She lives on a farm in Ceredigion and her children go to Welsh-medium schools.

I'm certain there must be many more people like these. There's hope for us yet!

updated by @gaynor-madoc-leonard: 12/04/15 03:57:45PM