Happy Saint David's Day

Unlike Saint Patrick's Day in Ireland, Saint David's Day is not a national holiday in Wales. What is St David's Day? Saint David born in 500 who is believed to have died on 1st March, 589. He is the patron saint of poets, doves and Wales.

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He was born to mother Non and father Sant. Legend says his birth was foretold 30 years in advance. It is said that Saint David was born on a cliff during a very violent storm. His mother became a nun later on.

He started school at a monastery called Hen Vynyw and later studied to be a priest in the island of Isle of Wight. He became a teacher and preacher and an evangelist. He established a lot of monasteries and is believed to have restored the eyes of his teacher, Paulinus. His bread was once poisoned by some monks but he blessed the bread, counteracting the poison and still ate.

He was anointed as a bishop by the Patriarch in Jerusalem and he presided over 2 synods. In the year 519, Saint David was invited to speak to synod (church officials) about Pekafius's heresy and legend says a white dove came to sit on his shoulder as he spoke and a small hill arose under his feet so everyone could see and hear him speak. He is believed to have died in the year 589 after he predicted the day he will die. He lived a simple life and had no worldly possessions. Saint David was recognised and canonisation by Pope Callixtus II in 1120.

Saint David's Day celebrations in many primary schools begin with a religious service with children dressing in traditional Welsh costumes. Some say Saint David celebrations come from a battle between the Welsh and the Saxons, others say it's about a dream Saint David's father had about killing a stag when he goes hunting next day. Many people wear daffodils or leeks which are both symbols of Wales.

In Remembrance Saint David, I Wish You A Happy Saint David's Day