St Davids Day - 10 Interesting Facts

St Davids Day - 10 Interesting Facts

So when is St David's Day? Here in Wales on the 1st of March we celebrate St David’s Day, which commemorates the anniversary of Saint David's death in 589 AD.

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Interestingly, a survey made available by CADW (CADW is responsible in Wales for protecting historic buildings and structures, landscapes and heritage sites) suggests that a surprisingly high number of adults in Wales are not familiar why the country celebrates St David’s Day, which prompted us at FelinFach to reveal 10 interesting facts about our Welsh Patron.

1. David became a monk as a young adult and founded a monastery around the year 560. The original monastery site is now home to St Davids Cathedral and St Davids Bishop’s Palace.

2. St David was a Welsh bishop of St Davids during the 6th century.

3. St Davids influence was not limited to Wales. He was an influential figure, spreading Christianity on the continent.

4. He is the Patron Saint of Wales.

5. St David was a vegetarian! The Monastic Rule of St David advocated that monks had to plough fields themselves without assistance, and must drink only water and eat only bread. He lived a simple life and practised abstinence, advocating a meat free and beer free diet!  

6. Records claim that St David died on the 1st of March in 589 AD. His birth date is uncertain with suggestions ranging from 462 to 512, but rumour has it he was over 100 years old!

7. It is believed that during a battle against the Saxons, St David suggested all of his soldiers to wear leeks in their hats so that they could easily distinguish themselves from the enemy. And that is why the leek became a symbol of Wales and St David’s Day.

8. David has a city named after him! It may the smallest city in Britain, but St Davids is home to St Davids Cathedral and an estimated population of 1600.

9. Famous last words…. according to records the last words to his followers before his death are thought to have been: "Be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do." And to this day is still a well-known phrase in Wales

10. The Welsh translation of “Happy St David’s Day” is “Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus”.

About FelinFach

Our company, FelinFach Natural Textiles is located in the heart of the Preseli area of Pembrokeshire near to Boncath. We design Welsh blankets, Welsh woollen blankets and throws which are traditionally woven at Welsh mills. We also design and make natural hand dyed yarn, cotton, silk and wool scarves and other handmade products. We are a proud supporter of the Campaign for Wool, Global Welsh and Wales International.

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Last update 18th August 2020