Saint David and Saint David's Day
Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 6:07 am
Saint David's Day (Welsh: Dydd Gŵyl Dewi) is the feast day of Saint David, the Patron saint of Wales , and falls on 1st March each year. The date of March 1st was chosen in remembrance of the death of Saint David on that day in 589, and has been celebrated by followers since then. The date was declared a national day of celebration within Wales in the 18th century.
To celebrate this day, people wear a symbol of either a leek or daffodil. The leek is patriotic, arising from an occasion when a troop of Welsh were able to distinguish each other from a troop of English enemy dressed in similar fashion by wearing leeks. An alternative emblem developed in recent years is the daffodil, used and preferred over the leek by the English goverment as it lacks the overtones of patriotic defiance associated with the leek.
Children take part in school concerts or eisteddfodau, with recitation and singing being the main activities. Formerly, a half-day holiday was afforded to school children. Officially this custom does not continue, although the practice can vary on a school-to-school basis.
Public celebrations of St David's Day are becoming more commonplace. In many towns an annual parade through the centre of town is now held (see above). Concerts are held in pubs, clubs, and other venues.
The younger girls sometimes wear traditional Welsh costumes to school. This costume consists of a long woollen skirt, white blouse, woollen shawl and a Welsh hat.
The flag of Saint David often plays a central role in the celebrations, and can be seen flying throughout Wales.
Happy St Davids Day:-6
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