Saint David's Day

Saint David's Day History

Saint David's Day celebrates the life of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. It is an opportunity for the Welsh community to display their national pride and maintain their cultural identity. This day is marked by various celebrations, including parades, concerts, and events that showcase Welsh art, literature, and regional cuisine.

Saint David, also known as Dewi Sant in Welsh, was a 6th-century Welsh bishop and a significant figure in establishing the early Christian church in Wales. His teachings and monastic lifestyle emphasised simplicity, humility, and living in harmony with nature. Saint David's Day has been celebrated in the United Kingdom since the 12th century, although it was not officially recognised as a national day until the 18th century. It is significant to the people of the United Kingdom as it promotes a sense of regional pride and allows the appreciation of the rich traditions and history rooted in Wales.

Saint David's Day is observed through various means to express the Welsh heritage and culture. Many people wear daffodils or leeks, symbols that have long been associated with Wales and Saint David, as part of their attire. Children often participate in traditional dances and songs in schools, while the flag of Saint David, featuring a gold cross on a black background, is widely displayed. Although the date of his death is believed to be March 1st, 589 AD, the observance does not have public holiday status in the United Kingdom. Numerous celebrations, events, and parades take place annually on March 1st.

Saint David's Day Facts & Quotes

• It is said that when Saint David came back from a special religious journey to Jerusalem, he brought a stone back with him. That stone can be found today on an altar in St David's Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
• It’s believed that while addressing a crowd, Saint David miraculously rose up so that he could be seen and heard better. The crowd claimed it was as if he stood atop a hill.
• Saint David's last words to his followers before his death are believed to have been: Be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do.
• Saint David was born around the year 500 AD in the region of Pembrokeshire, in southwest Wales. He was the son of a local chieftain named Sant and a nun named Non.
• The phrase Gwnewch y pethau bychain (Do the little things) is commonly attributed to Saint David and underscores his philosophy of taking care of small tasks and duties to accomplish larger goals.
• Saint David is well-known for his ascetic lifestyle, which included refraining from meat and alcohol, drinking only water, and eating only bread and vegetables.

In the News and Trending for Saint David's Day

Saint David's Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Attend a St. David's Day parade. Lots of performances are held throughout Wales. Many theatre groups perform traditional dances. Children also take part wearing traditional Welsh clothing.
• Attend the famous concert at St. David's Hall in Cardiff, Wales. The BBC National Orchestra performs together with the Chorus of Wales.
• Learn more about Saint David's Day.
• Adorn your home with daffodils and leeks, the traditional symbols of Wales, which are associated with Saint David's Day. Displaying these flowers and vegetables throughout your house can add a festive touch.