As the Cymreig (Welsh) among us are aware, 1st March is Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant (Saint David’s Day). Although St. David’s Day has not yet gained status as a national bank holiday throughout Wales, it has been a significant time of feasting, merry-making, traditions and concerts since its implementation by the Welsh government in the 18th century. This earnest desire to celebrate Welsh national identity on 1st March is due, in part, to Wales’ long, turbulent history. Over the last two thousand years, several groups have attempted to conquer the Welsh spirit and seize Welsh land through numerous battles, yet these have always met powerful resistance initiated by its patriotic passion and Wales’ great leaders. Perhaps the most renowned leader was Saint David, whose date of death was selected as this national feast day since 1120, 500 years after his passing.
As the grandson of Ceredig - prince of Ceredigion (a county in West Wales) and great-nephew of the real King Arthur, David received a notable education from an early age. Trained in writing, scripture, religious order and Christian history, it is hardly surprising that David became a leading monk, bishop and archbishop of Wales. After founding one of the largest Celtic monastries of the time in Pembrokeshire, he commenced an extensive tour of the British Isles, with visits to almost every village in Wales and stops in Britany and Cornwall. His main aims were to bring aid, reduce Wales’ abject poverty and spread the Christian message. He met such tremendous success that many churches have since been dedicated to him, and, for centuries, a trip to Britain’s smallest city of Saint David was one of the most important pilgrimages in Britain. His final words have also become a well-known catchphrase throughout Wales - ‘gwnewch y pethau bychain’ (do the little things).
It is believed that David was also instrumental in the establishment of Wales’ most famous national emblems. It is widely believed that in 1536 David encouraged Welsh soldiers to wear a leek on their cap in a particular battle that became so bloody that no-one could identify their comrades. Since then, most Welsh have either worn some form of leek, on Saint David’s Day, or a colourful daffodil – a symbol of spring and new life. Welsh regiments have honoured David’s courageous act by eating a raw leek every 1st March. It was this same battle that the word ‘draig’ (‘dragon’) was first associated with courage and strength. Perhaps that explains why in most tapestries of that time, the red dragon has been pictured fighting against the white Saxon dragon of England.
Saint David is still honoured and remembered by the Welsh people, particularly on his Saint day of 1st March where many people gather in Welsh communities to celebrate with parades, walks, tea parties and artistic talent. Almost every school in the world which has a large contingent of Welsh staff or students, will host an eisteddfod to celebrate Welsh identity and pride through song, dance, music and poetry. The largest of these festivals occurs in Cardiff, where Saint David’s Hall is filled with a 1000 member male voice choir every year. Whatever you choose to do on 1st March, we wish you “Dydd Gwŷl Dewi Sant hapus” (Happy St. David’s Day)!
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