As a non native to Wales, I moved here in 2004, and a lover of history, I have been fascinated by the many stories and folklore of this land. Commonly referred to as ‘The Land of Song’, the Welsh are a proud and passionate nation, celebrating their many traditions with song and poetry.
Today is one of those celebratory days..
The 1st March is one of the most colourful days of the year here in Wales. You'll find bright yellow daffodils, green leeks and vibrant traditional dress celebrating the patron saint of Wales everywhere. There will be concerts and parades in many towns and villages and the tradition to follow St. David’s gwnewch y pethau bychain (small acts of kindness) is particularly prevalent on this day.
But who was St David?
St David - or Dewi Sant in Welsh - was born on the south-west coast of Wales, in 500 and died on 1 March – St David’s Day - in 589, apparently his mother, St Non, gave birth to him during a storm! St David was the greatest figure in the 6th century Welsh Age of Saints. It is said that he travelled far and wide, and founded scores of religious communities across Wales and England. His remains are buried in St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, where he had eventually settled and established a religious community.
St David was canonised by Pope Callixtus in the 12th century, and we have celebrated St David’s Day ever since.
St David’s Cathedral - Pembrokeshire
The National St David’s Day Parade is an imaginative celebration of Welsh heritage and culture taking place every year on 1st March in Cardiff (the capital city of Wales). It is a non-military parade that brings together several cultural groups, school children and musicians - and plenty of locals in traditional Welsh costume. Keen vexillophiles (that’s flag enthusiasts) will spot other banners among the sea of red dragons, including the flag of St David – a yellow cross on a black field – and the red-and-yellow lions of the Welsh princes.
One of the biggest shindigs is Croeso (welcome in Welsh), a two-day festival of music, food and entertainment in Swansea city centre. There are food stalls, cookery demonstrations, Welsh bands, children's activities, arts and crafts, and a daffodil dash.
To celebrate the day and do ‘a little thing’, all patterns in my Payhip Store are 15% off this weekend (1-3 March). Just click HERE and it will take you straight there - enter St David at check out.
Diolch am ddarllen - Thank you for reading
If you enjoyed reading my letter, please pass it on for others to enjoy too.
Back next week with more Yarn Sub, until then
Take care, Heike xo
Sounds like a lovely time of celebration, along with cheery daffodils!
Thank you for this look into life in Wales.