Every year on March 1st, a wave of red, green, and yellow sweeps across Wales and echoes in Welsh communities around the globe. This is St. David’s Day (Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant), a vibrant celebration of the patron saint of Wales and a day filled with national pride, ancient traditions, and hearty food. Whether you have Welsh roots or simply a love for rich culture, St. David’s Day is a fantastic occasion to embrace.
The Man Behind the Celebration: Who Was St. David?
Born around 500 AD, St. David (Dewi Sant) was a renowned bishop and preacher who founded monastic settlements and churches across Wales. He was known for his simple, ascetic lifestyle, famously eating only leeks and herbs and drinking only water. His teachings and miracles became legendary, with the most famous story telling of the ground rising beneath his feet so that a large crowd could see and hear him preach. His last words to his followers were, “Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do.” This phrase, “Gwnewch y pethau bychain” (Do the little things), remains a popular saying in Wales today.
Traditions of St. David’s Day
Celebrating St. David’s Day is a joy for all senses, involving iconic symbols, delicious food, and festive gatherings.
Wearing Your Welsh Pride
The most prominent symbols of St. David’s Day are the daffodil and the leek. The leek’s association with Wales is ancient, with one legend claiming St. David advised Welsh soldiers to wear leeks on their helmets to identify themselves in battle against the Saxons. You can embrace this tradition by planting your own leek seeds for a future harvest.
The daffodil, with its cheerful yellow trumpet, is a more recent but equally beloved emblem. Brighten up your home or garden with beautiful daffodil bulbs or, for a longer-lasting display, a bouquet of artificial daffodils.
For children, it’s traditional to dress up in a classic Welsh costume, featuring a tall black hat for girls and a waistcoat for boys. Of course, no celebration is complete without flying the iconic Welsh flag, Y Ddraig Goch (The Red Dragon). Show your pride with a Welsh flag in your window or wear the dragon proudly on a Welsh dragon t-shirt.
A Feast Fit for Wales
Food is central to any St. David’s Day celebration. Here are some traditional dishes to try:
- Cawl: A hearty, slow-cooked soup made with lamb or beef, potatoes, swede, carrots, and, naturally, leeks. It’s the ultimate Welsh comfort food.
- Welsh Rarebit: Not just cheese on toast! This is a savory sauce of melted cheese, mustard, and ale poured over toasted bread and grilled until bubbling.
- Welsh Cakes: These are a true delight. A cross between a scone and a pancake, these small, round cakes are spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with currants, and cooked on a baking griddle. If you’re not up for making your own, you can often find delicious, ready-made Welsh cakes to enjoy with a cup of tea.
How to Celebrate at Home
You don’t have to be in Cardiff for a grand parade to celebrate St. David’s Day. Here are a few ideas for a memorable day at home:
- Host a Welsh-themed dinner: Cook up a pot of cawl and finish with Welsh cakes for dessert.
- Learn some Welsh: Start with the basics! “Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus” (Happy St. David’s Day) and “Cymru am byth” (Wales forever).
- Explore Welsh Culture: Dive into the rich history of the country with a good book on Welsh history.
- Decorate: Bring a touch of Wales into your home with daffodils and Welsh flags.
However you choose to celebrate, St. David’s Day is a perfect opportunity to learn about, appreciate, and enjoy the unique and enduring culture of Wales. So, do the little things, be joyful, and have a very Happy St. David’s Day