Saint David’s Day Commemorates a Real Person
Saint David, or Dewi Sant, was a 6th-century Welsh bishop and hermit. He is believed to have founded several monasteries in Wales and beyond, including one at Glyn Rhosyn (St David’s), which became an important center of Christian learning. His feast day, March 1st, celebrates his life and works.
Saint David Was Declared a Saint by the Pope
The Catholic Church canonized Saint David, but unlike many other saints, there was no formal process for his canonization in the modern sense. Instead, Saint David's status was affirmed by Pope Callixtus II in the 12th century, many centuries after his death.
The Origin of the Date
The date of Saint David’s Day, March 1st, marks the anniversary of his death in the year 589 AD. This date has been commemorated since at least the 12th century, though it was not always a public holiday.
Saint David’s Monastery
Saint David founded a monastery at Glyn Rhosyn (modern-day St Davids, Pembrokeshire) that became a place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. The site is still a focal point for Welsh Christians, with St Davids Cathedral located in the town today.
The Daffodil as a National Symbol
The daffodil is a key symbol of Saint David’s Day, and it is often worn by Welsh people on March 1st. This tradition likely dates back to the early 19th century, and the daffodil became a symbol of Welsh pride during World War I.
The Leek: Another Welsh Symbol
Another traditional symbol is the leek, worn by the Welsh, particularly during Saint David’s Day celebrations. The leek has been associated with Wales since the 6th century, with the first mention of its symbolic role appearing in the writings of Geoffrey of Monmouth. shutdown123