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As well as commemorating the
National Eisteddfod, the Gorsedd stones continue to provide an important ceremonial venue for the proclamation of future National Eisteddfodau, which according to tradition must be completed one year and one day prior to its official opening. The ceremony is conducted by
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Each grouping of stones is arranged in a circular formation typically consisting of twelve stone pillars. Sometimes the stones from the local area and sometimes they represent the Welsh counties, such as at
Aberystwyth. A large, flat-topped stone, known as the Logan Stone, lies at the centre of the
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stands, and behind this are the Portal Stones which are guarded by
Eisteddfod officials. The portal stone to the right of the entrance points to midsummer sunrise, while that to the left indicates the midwinter sunrise.
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ceremonies of the
Eisteddfod. The stones can be found as commemorative structures throughout Wales and are the hallmark of the National Eisteddfod having visited a community.
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During the proceedings the
Archdruid stands upon the Logan Stone; facing him, to the east cardinal point, is the Stone of the Covenant where the
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showing typical layout. The
National Eisteddfod has been held in
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The Harp and the
Constitution: Myths of Celtic and Gothic Origin
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210:. British Archaeological Association. p. 65.
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154:The Secret of the Bards of the Isle of Britain
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157:. Gwasg Dinefwr Press. pp. 69–70.
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225:National Eisteddfod Festival website
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277:Monuments and memorials in Wales
151:Dillwyn Miles (1 January 1992).
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109:rituals of prehistoric times.
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262:Stone monuments and memorials
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85:An early Gorsedd was held by
51:National Eisteddfod of Wales
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240:About Modern Stone Circles
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245:23 September 2006 at the
74:Menai Suspension Bridge
234:Cardiff Gorsedd Stones
204:Alfred Wallis (1874).
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113:Ceremonial function
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68:Gorsedd circle at
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164:978-0-9519926-0-9
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236:Some Pictures
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272:Eisteddfod
256:Categories
138:References
99:Pontypridd
95:Pentrebach
120:Archdruid
243:Archived
28:Aberdare
267:Druidry
229:English
122:of the
107:Druidic
81:Origins
55:Gorsedd
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91:Welsh
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185:ISBN
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