Every year on March 1st, the Welsh celebrate Saint David's day, in memory of the death in 589 AD of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. Saint David's followers have commemorated him on that date since his death. Saint David is known as Sant Dewi in the Welsh language.
In the 18th Century the date was declared a national day of celebration. In 2000, the National Assembly for Wales voted unanimously to make St. David's day a public holiday, but in 2007 the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, rejected a petition to make it a bank holiday.
History of St. David
The only information about Saint David's life comes from a Latin manuscript written by Rhigyfarch towards the end of the 11th century.
The manuscript records Saint David's death in 589 AD, reputedly at the age of more then 100. His father, Sant, was the son of Ceredig, King of Ceredigion, and his mother was called Non. After completing his education in Cardiganshire, Saint David went on a pilgrimage through South Wales and the West of England, where Saint David founded religious centres such as Glastonbury and Croyland. Saint David was made an archbishop on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Saint David founded a monastery in the Glyn Rhosyn (Rose vale) valley in Pembrokeshire. on the banks of the river Alun. St. David's Cathedral, in the town of St. David's, Pembrokeshire stands on the site.
Saint David's last words to his followers were a sermon on the Sunday before his death: 'Be joyful, and keep your faith and your creed. Do the little things that you have seen me do and heard about. I will walk the path that our fathers have trod before us.'
This has led to well-known Welsh phrase: 'Do the little things in life.'
Saint David was buried at St. David's Cathedral, where his shrine became a popular place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages.
St. David's Day Celebrations
Schools and cultural societies throughout Wales, and Welsh communities throughout of the world, celebrate St. Davis's Day by dancing Welsh dances, singing Welsh songs (in Welsh in areas where tha language is used), and reciting Welsh poems.
Many people wear one of the two national emblems of Wales on their lapel: a daffodil (the Welsh symbol), or a leek (Siant David's personal symbol). In welsh the leek is called Cenhinen, and the daffodil is called Cenhinen Pedr, or Peter's Leek.
School girls, and some women, dress in what is popularly known as the Welsh National costume: a black felt hat with a high crown and a wide brim, worn over a lace cap, a red flannel shawl worn over a crisp white blouse, a full black and white check pattern woollen skirt, and a starched, white apron.
Many communities gather to listen to a Welsh male voice choir.
St. David's Day Celebrations in Cardiff
An annual National St. David's Day Parade takes place in Cardiff city centre. Other festivities in the Welsh capital city include landmark concerts, and a Food Festival that include the very best Welsh food producers. Entertainment with a Welsh flavour takes place at a number of venues during the day.
The BBC National Orchestra of Wales performs a concert in St. David's Hall in the evening.
Traditional St. David's Day Food
The traditional St. David's Day meal is a bowl of Cawl, or leek broth.
Many other meals with a Welsh connection are also enjoyed on St. David's Day. These include Welsh Rarebit, Glamorgan sausages, roast shoulder of lamb, and chicken and leek pie.
Patron Saints of other UK Countries
Saint George is the patron saint of England, Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.
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Mark Tibbits - A professional writer and educator who writes about Astrology, South Asia/China, the UK, the British Royal Family, and Religion.
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