St Davids Day

There’s nothing quite like St. David’s Day to celebrate Welsh culture! This special feast, observed on March 1, honors the beloved patron saint of Wales, Saint David. He was a prominent figure during the 6th century Welsh Age of Saints, known for establishing numerous religious communities and being the only native-born patron saint across Britain and Ireland. Renowned for his teachings and the founder of what we now know as St. David’s Cathedral, he was celebrated for his ascetic lifestyle, prioritizing spiritual growth over earthly pleasures, and his miraculous abilities. Because of his significant contributions, St. David’s Day has become a cherished occasion among the Welsh people. Today, it serves as a tribute not only to him but also to Welsh identity itself. Festivities include children reciting poems, singing, parades filling the streets, the raising of the Saint David flag, and many girls donning traditional Welsh attire.

The history of St. David’s Day dates back to 1120, making it a major celebration for the Welsh. So, who exactly was St. David? He emerged as the leading figure of the 6th century, establishing various religious communities and earning recognition as the sole native-born patron saint of Britain and Ireland. Most of the information we have about him comes from Rhygyfarch, an 11th-century scholar, who shared that St. David was born around 500 in Pembrokeshire and was the grandson of Ceredig ap Cunedda, king of Ceredigion. He became a celebrated preacher, founding monasteries and churches in Wales, Brittany, and England, possibly including the abbey at Glastonbury. In 550 A.D., he was elected the primate of the Brefi region by fellow monks after delivering an inspiring speech at the Synod of Brefi, and in 569 A.D., he chaired the Synod of Caerleon. Legend has it that he made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, becoming an archbishop and creating a strict religious community in what is now St. Davids, Pembrokeshire. Notably, he was known for living on a diet of only leeks and water, with his monks engaging in prayer, meals, and writing solely in the evenings, also plowing fields without animal assistance. They even eschewed personal belongings, avoiding the use of “my” when referring to items as simple as a book.

Many tales of St. David’s miracles exist, including one where he elevated the ground beneath him while preaching in Llandewi Brefi to ensure everyone could hear him, with a white dove landing on his shoulder during the event. Other miraculous accounts include bringing a child back to life and restoring sight to a blind man. St. David passed away on March 1, 589, and was buried at St. David’s Cathedral. His tomb was raided by Vikings in the 10th and 11th centuries but was established with a new shrine in 1275. The bones believed to be his were found in the Holy Trinity Chapel of St. David’s Cathedral and dated back to the 12th century. He was canonized by Pope Callixtus in the 12th century, and ever since, St. David’s Day has been celebrated. His shrine became a significant pilgrimage site, especially during the Middle Ages, with over 50 churches dedicated to him prior to the Reformation, and he was also canonized by the Eastern Orthodox Church.

St. David’s Day has long been a festive occasion for the Welsh, featuring traditional celebrations like wearing daffodils and leeks—national symbols of Wales and Saint David, respectively—enjoying traditional Welsh cuisine such as cawl and Welsh rarebit, and women donning classic Welsh dresses. Many cities and towns across Wales, including Cardiff, Swansea, and Aberystwyth, host parades throughout the day.

St. David’s Day Timeline:

• 462-515 A.D.: The Birth of a SaintSt David, known as Dewi Sant in Welsh, is born on the southwestern coast of Wales, near the present-day St Davids city.
• 560 A.D.: Building a MonasterySt David is said to have established a monastery near his birthplace.
• 569 A.D.: Monks Elect DavidDavid leads the Synod of Caerleon, also referred to as the Synod of Victory.
• March 1, 589 A.D.: The Passing of a Great ManAfter living for over a century, St David passes away on a Tuesday, March 1, following his last sermon the day before.
• 1120 A.D.: St David’s Day Becomes OfficialSt David is canonized by Pope Callixtus II, becoming the national patron saint of Wales, and March 1 is officially recognized in the church calendar as St David’s Day.

So, why do we celebrate St. David’s Day? As the patron saint of Wales, St David is honored every March 1. On this day, Welsh individuals globally wear one or both of the national emblems—a daffodil and a leek. Patron saints serve as special protectors or guardians over various aspects of life.

What is St. David known for? He was a distinguished preacher who founded monastic settlements and churches in Wales, Brittany, and southwest England, including potentially the abbey at Glastonbury.

Why do people wear leeks or daffodils? Many commemorate St David’s Day by sporting a leek, reflecting his diet, or a daffodil, which is the national emblem of Wales. The flag of St David, featuring a yellow cross on a black background, is also commonly displayed.

How to Celebrate St David’s Day:

• Visit Wales: Many heritage sites in Wales are free to explore on St David’s Day, like St Davids Bishop’s Palace and Caerphilly Castle, known for its leaning tower. There’s also an annual national parade filled with military displays, concerts, and food festivals, particularly vibrant in Cardiff. If you can’t make it to Wales, look for local celebrations that honor Welsh culture, even in places like Washington D.C. and Los Angeles.
• Wear a Costume: On St David’s Day, it’s customary to wear a daffodil or a leek. In Wales, children especially adorn themselves in traditional Welsh costumes, with girls often wearing a petticoat, overcoat made of Welsh flannel, and a tall hat over a frilled bonnet.
• Eat Welsh Food: Seek out Welsh cakes and Bara Brith, or try your hand at cooking traditional dishes like ‘cawl,’ Welsh rarebit, ‘laverbread,’ or ‘Glamorgan sausage’ to celebrate Welsh culinary heritage.

5 Facts About St David That Will Blow Your Mind:

1. David Founded a Monastery: He established a monastery around 560 near his birthplace.
2. He Was a Vegetarian: It’s believed that St David subsisted only on leeks and water.
3. Shakespeare Mentions Him: In Henry V, when Pistol mocks the leek on St David’s Day, Fluellen counters that he eats the national emblem as a form of punishment: “If you can mock a leek, you can eat a leek.”
4. He Was a Miracle Worker: He was reputed to have restored sight to a blind man and revived a child by splashing tears on the boy’s face.
5. A King Took His Remains: After King Edward I’s military campaign in Wales in 1284, he took St David’s head and arm from the cathedral to display in London.

Why We Love St. David’s Day:

• His Teachings Were Meaningful: St David’s last words to his followers are thought to be: “Be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do.” The phrase gwenwch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd, meaning ‘Do the little things in life,’ remains a cherished saying in Wales.
• He Practiced Discipline: His life exemplifies discipline; St David and his monks plowed fields by hand and refrained from eating meat. It’s also believed he lived solely on leeks and water. While we may not go to such extremes, his remarkable discipline is something to admire and incorporate into our lives in small ways.
• You Can Learn About Welsh Culture: Celebrating holidays like St David’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to explore different cultures. This day is perfect for delving into Welsh food, music, and traditions. Since Welsh culture and history aren’t widely known, there’s no better time to discover what it means to be Welsh! St. David’s Day allows Welsh individuals to showcase their homeland pride.

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