St. David’s Day or Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant in Welsh, is the feast day of the patron saint of Wales, Saint David. He was born on the south-west coast of Wales, in a similar location to where St. David’s is today, where there are many stories about miracles happening.
David’s fame as a teacher spread throughout the Celtic Christian world when he was alive, and he supposedly helped found 12 different monasteries! An important Christian Shrine , and the most important centre in Wales was his foundation at Glyn Rhosyn. The Date of his death is believed to be the 1st of March 589, which is why that day specifically is used to celebrate his achievements!
For centuries, this day has been a national festival. St. David was recognised as a national patron saint in the 12th century at a time of Welsh resistance to the Normans. Unlike St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, St. David’s Day is not actually a national holiday in Wales, although there has been much support to make it so by turning it into a bank holiday! A petition in 2007 to make St. David’s Day a bank holiday was rejected by the office of the British Prime Minster at the time, Tony Blair.
Despite that though, St. David’s Day remains one of Wales’ proudest traditions, with festivals and parades being held in an increasing number of towns and cities throughout the country!
When is St. David’s Day?
St. David’s Day is celebrated on the 1st of March every year.
How is St. David’s Day celebrated?
A tradition for marking St. David’s Day involves wearing Wales’ national emblems, a daffodil and a leek. Across the country, people celebrate in their town by hosting their own parades, parties and performances, whilst many of Wales’ tourist spots let people come to visit them for free.
The largest parade can be found in the capital city, Cardiff. Every year, celebrations can range from concerts to food festivals with all-Welsh produce!
Children in Wales take part in school concerts, with recitation and singing being the main activities. In the past, some Welsh schools have celebrated St. David’s Day by having a half-day holiday on the 1st of March, a tradition which has largely been forgotten about, although some schools around the country do still participate!
Many Welsh Regiments of the British Army also use aspects of St. David’s cross, St. David himself, or songs of St. David in their formalities during celebrations as well!
How to say ‘Happy St. David’s Day’ in Welsh?
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant Hapus!
Facts about St. David
- St. David was officially recognised as a saint by Pope Callixtus in 1120 AD.
- During St. David’s life, it was said that he performed many miracles and the most famous one happened in Llanddewi Brefi when he was preaching to a crowd of people. The ground where he stood rose up to form a small hill so everyone could see him properly.
- It is believed that St. David lived to be over 100 years old!
- St. David’s supposed last words to his community of monks were: “Brothers be ye constant. The yoke which with single mind ye have taken, bear ye to the end; and whatsoever ye have seen with me and heard, keep and fulfil.”
- St. David was a vegetarian!
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