St. David's Day - Patron Saint of Wales

Summary - St David's Day

St David, or Dewi Sant in Welsh, is the Patron Saint of Wales. From the 18^th century onwards, St David’s Day, 1^st March became a National Day of Celebration in Wales. St David has a Cathedral and a city named after him and it is the smallest city in Britain. In the UK Census of 2021, it had an estimated population of 1,750. St David's City is in Pembrokeshire on the western tip of Wales. 

St David's Day Facts

• When is St David's Day - 1st March each year
• When was St David born - The exact date of his birth is unknown, but popular belief is that he was born around the year 500. Story has it that he was born on a Pembrokeshire cliff during a thunderstorm. His birthplace is marked by the ruins of Non's chapel and a nearby holy well is said to have healing powers. 
• Why does Wales celebrate St David's Day - St David was the Patron Saint of Wales who died on 1st March 589 AD. It is Wales' own day in the annual calendar. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that St David’s Day became a National Day of Celebration in Wales.
• Is St David's Day a Bank Holiday in Wales or the UK - currently (January 2025) it is not a bank holiday in Wales. It is however a subject of much debate and lobbying of politicians. Various polls have alswyas shown strong support in Wales for St David's Day to be a Bank Holiday.
• What do daffodils and leeks have to do with the St David's Day celebrations - The daffodil and Leek are both national symbols of Wales and you’ll see them being displayed, or worn on St David's Day as a sign of national pride and celebration. The leek is the national emblem of Wales and according to legend was created by St David himself, who ordered Welsh soldiers to wear them on their helmets during battle. 
• What is Happy St David's Day in Welsh - Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus
• What is St David, the city, in Welsh - Ty Ddewi
• What happens on St David's Day - In the capital city of Wales, Cardiff, a National St Davids Day parade is held with lots of exciting performances by dragons and theatre groups. Nowadays St David's Day is celebrated the world over.

St David - Patron Saint of Wales History

St David is the Patron Saint of Wales and on 1^st March each year is the feast day of Saint David, which commemorates the anniversary of Saint David's death in 589 AD. The feast has been regularly celebrated since the canonisation of David in the 12th century (by Pope Callixtus II), though it is not a national holiday in Wales or in the UK. The lack of a national holiday in Wales, when there are equivalents in Scotland and Ireland is a source of much disappointment despite overwhelming public support. 

St David's Day Flag

Whilst many people mark St David's Day on 1 March by wearing a leek or a daffodil, it is becoming increasingly popular to fly the flag of St David (next to the famous Welsh Dragon flag), which features a yellow cross on a black background.

10 Facts about St David

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 David's Cathedral and St David's Bishop’s Palace.
2. St David was a Welsh bishop of St David's during the 6th century.
3. St David's 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 David's is home to St David's 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

      

Located in Pembrokeshire Wales, our ethos is defined in the three words...

NATURAL TRADITIONAL HANDMADE.

• Hand woven iconic Welsh blankets and Welsh tapestry blankets.
• Hand dyed yarn, dyed with natural dyes only - no exceptions!
• Handmade candles, candle accessories and Candle Making Workshops.
• Natural Dyeing Craft courses.
• Yarn shop, yarn bowls, project bags, tools and accessories for knitters and crafters.
• Welsh Gifts, souvenirs, made in Wales, handmade in Wales.

We are a proud supporter of Americymru, the Campaign for Wool, Global Welsh and Red Dragon America.

Last updated 23rd February 2025