St David’s Day / Dydd Gwyl Dewi

You might have noticed a dragon with a leek in its hand on Google this morning. This is to mark the National Day of Wales, which falls on the 1st of March each year. Today, like every year, events are held throughout Wales and by Welsh societies all around the world, in honour of Dewi Sant (Saint David), the patron saint of Wales.

Incidentally, Dewi Sant is the only one of the 4 saints of Britain and Ireland who was born in the nation which he represents. On his death, Dewi told his devoted followers to: “Be cheerful and keep your faith and belief, and do the little things that you have heard and seen through me.” (in Welsh: “byddwch lawen a gwnewch y pethau bychain a welsoch ac a glywsoch gennyf fi.")

It is believed that Dewi died on the 1st of March in the year 589. His mother was called Non, and his father, Sant, was the son of Ceredig, King of Ceredigion. Dewi was educated in Cardiganshire and then went on pilgrimages, founding religious centres across Wales and the west of England, including one at Glastonbury. He even went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he was made archbishop.

Eventually, he settled at Glyn Rhosyn (St David’s), in south-west Wales, where he established a religious community. Many miracles have been attributed to Dewi. Perhaps the most well known is the sermon at Llanddewi Brefi in Ceredigion, where, as he addressed the large crowd the ground rose underneath his feet to enable all those present to hear him.

It is custom on this day to wear either a leek or a daffodil – two of our national emblems – and for young girls to wear the national costume of Wales. If you need a place to stay after the celebrations please do not hesitate to contact us at Best of Wales, or feel free to browse our luxury holiday cottages in Wales.