St. David's Day

Saint David's Day, 1st March is the day that the patron saint of Wales, Saint David, is celebrated. David contrasts with other national patron saints such as England's St George, in that relatively much is known about his life.

St. David was a church official and it is said that when he was preaching in the middle of a large crowd, those at the back complained that they could not see or hear him. The ground on which he stood is reputed to have risen up to form a small hill so that everyone had a good view. However it has been suggested that he simply recommended that the synod participants move to the hilltop. What is known is that he was renowned as a teacher and preacher, founding monastic settlements in both Britain and Brittany.

Traditional celebrations for St. David's Day include concerts (eisteddfodau), with recitations and singing, and the wearing of one or both of the national emblems of Wales on the lapel to celebrate Saint David: the daffodil or the leek which is Saint David's personal symbol. Young girls may wear their Welsh costumes to school. This costume consists of a long woollen skirt, white blouse, woollen shawl and, of course, a Welsh hat.

More modern celebrations include the St David's Day Parade to be held in Cardiff. You could try out some Welsh Recipes at http://www.grossi.co.uk/wales/recipe.htm or http://www.hookerycookery.com/welsh-menu.htm and try out some Bara Brith, Snowdon Pudding, Glamorgan Sausages or Welsh Rarebit!

Find Welsh flags and party gear at Silly Jokes or PartyBox or sport a retro Welsh Football shirt from Toffs.

St. David's Day Colouring Pictures
Family Holidays in Wales