To start off, who exactly is St. David and why do we have a day celebrating him?

St. David, or 'Dewi Sant' in Welsh, became a Catholic Saint in the 12th Century and was then recognised as the Welsh Patron Saint. However, he actually died on 1st March in the 6th century AD, meaning it took 600 years for him to be given the title of ‘Saint’. He was allegedly over 100 years old when he died.

St. David came from the royal house of Ceredigion. Both his parents were descended from Welsh royalty. He was the son of Sandde, Prince of Powys, and Non, daughter of a chieftain of Menevia, which is now the little cathedral town of St. David’s. Although in medieval times it was believed that St. David was the nephew of King Arthur.

But it’s not just because of his royal decadence that we dedicate an entire day to him.

David did many great things. Legend has it that he performed several miracles in his life, one of them being curing the eyesight of St. Paulinus. David also travelled throughout Wales and Britain. He founded twelve monasteries including Glastonbury and one at Minevia. He even made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where he was sanctified as a bishop.

Despite all this, it wasn’t until after he died when his influence was truly recognised and soon his influence spread, reaching all across Britain.

St. David’s day is the national day of Wales and has been celebrated since the 12th century. It’s not only celebrated in Wales, but the rest of the UK too. There are many traditions that are associated with St. David’s Day.

In Wales, young girls are encouraged to wear a ‘traditional costume’, as well as a leek or a daffodil, as they are the national symbols of Wales. (David encouraged soldiers during a battle with the Saxons to wear leeks to distinguish themselves, which is why they became one of Welsh’s national symbols.)

Celebrations on St. David’s Day usually involve singing of traditional songs, followed by a Te Bach, a tea with bara brith (Welsh bread) and teisen bach (Welsh cake).

Will you be celebrating St. David’s Day?

Remember, ‘Dydd Gwyl Dewi hapus’ means 'Happy St. David’s Day!'