On 1 March each year, Wales comes alive with a vibrant celebration of its patron saint, St David (Dewi Sant in Welsh). This cherished holiday represents not just a religious observance, but a profound expression of Welsh identity, culture, and traditions that have endured for centuries.

The life of St David

St David was born in the late 5th or early 6th century in Pembrokeshire, Wales, during a time of significant religious and cultural transformation in Britain. According to medieval hagiographies, particularly the one written by Rhygyfarch in the 11th century, David was born to Sant, a prince of Ceredigion, and Non, a nun who later became canonised herself.

David founded numerous monasteries across Wales and Britain, but his primary monastery was established in what is now St Davids, Pembrokeshire. This monastery followed an extremely austere rule inspired by the Desert Fathers of Egypt. Under David’s leadership, monks practised strict asceticism, carrying out manual labour, studying scripture, and sustaining themselves through farming without using animals to pull ploughs.

The most famous miracle attributed to St David occurred in Llanddewi Brefi, where he was preaching to a large crowd. When people at the back complained they couldn’t hear him, the ground beneath his feet reportedly rose to form a small hill, allowing everyone to see and hear him. A white dove, which became his symbol, was said to have settled on his shoulder.

David died on 1 March 589 AD and was canonised by Pope Callixtus II in 1120. The date of his death became enshrined as St David’s Day, and his last words to his followers – “Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do” – remain a cherished piece of Welsh wisdom.

Traditional celebrations and customs

St David’s Day celebrations combine religious observance with secular festivities that showcase Welsh culture. Some of the most notable traditions include:

The national symbols

People wear or display the national symbols of Wales: the daffodil and the leek. The daffodil, blooming in early spring, naturally coincides with the holiday. The leek’s association dates back to a legendary battle where Welsh soldiers wore leeks in their caps to distinguish themselves from their Saxon enemies.

Traditional dress

Many Welsh people, particularly schoolchildren, wear traditional Welsh costumes. For girls, this consists of a tall black hat, long wool skirt, white blouse, red shawl, and white apron. Boys might wear Welsh kilts with black jackets. This costume, though relatively modern (dating from the 18th to 19th centuries), has become an important symbol of Welsh identity.

Food and drink

Traditional Welsh foods feature prominently in celebrations. These include:

• Cawl – a hearty soup/stew made with lamb and vegetables
• Welsh rarebit – a sophisticated cheese on toast
• Bara brith – a fruit loaf
• Welsh cakes – small, flat, sweet cakes cooked on a griddle

Parades and performances

Towns and cities across Wales hold parades featuring music, dance, and pageantry. The largest takes place in Cardiff, where thousands gather to watch performances and participate in festivities. Schools often hold eisteddfodau (cultural festivals) where children compete in poetry recitation, singing, and other artistic performances.

Modern observance

While St David’s Day is not a public holiday in Wales (despite numerous petitions to make it one), it remains a significant cultural celebration that has evolved. Modern observances often include:

• Large-scale concerts featuring Welsh musicians and choirs
• Literary events celebrating the Welsh language and literature
• Food festivals showcasing Welsh produce and cuisine
• Sporting events, particularly rugby matches
• Digital celebrations and social media campaigns promoting Welsh culture

The Welsh Government and various cultural organisations use the day to promote Welsh language, culture, and tourism. Welsh communities worldwide organise events, demonstrating how this celebration has transcended its religious origins to become a broader celebration of Welsh identity and heritage.

Global recognition

While primarily celebrated in Wales, St David’s Day has gained recognition globally, particularly in areas with significant Welsh diaspora populations. Cities like Patagonia (Argentina), New York, and London often hold Welsh-themed events and celebrations.

Legacy and significance

St David’s Day represents more than just a saint’s feast day; it embodies the resilience and continuity of Welsh culture through centuries of change. The celebration helps preserve traditional customs while allowing contemporary interpretations of Welsh identity. David’s famous phrase “Gwnewch y pethau bychain” (“Do the little things”) continues to resonate, encouraging mindfulness and attention to life’s small but significant aspects.

As Wales continues to assert its distinct cultural identity within the United Kingdom and globally, St David’s Day is a powerful reminder of the nation’s rich heritage and ongoing cultural vitality. The celebration demonstrates how traditional observances can remain relevant and meaningful in the modern world while preserving their historical significance.