Saint David or Dewi Sant the Patron Saint of Wales

On March 1st Wales celebrates St David’s Day with many choosing to wear daffodils or leeks which have been associated with St David for hundreds of years. Parades, concerts, and festivals are held in towns and cities across Wales with communities gathering to enjoy traditional music, dance, and food. But what do we know about St David?

St David, known in Welsh as Dewi Sant, was the only native-born patron saint in Britain and Ireland. He was said to have been born in the year 500, on a Pembrokeshire clifftop in a storm, and was the grandson of a king of Ceredigion, called Ceredig ap Cunedda.  St David’s mother was St Non and today a place is marked where the birth was said to occur and a holy well nearby is supposed to have healing powers.

St David had an impact on Welsh culture and thinking that still has influence today but what do we know about this national icon? We know that St David dedicated his life to spreading Christianity and was considered a great preacher. He founded monastic settlements and churches throughout Wales and beyond which was no small feat. It was also believed he made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem bringing back a stone which can be seen in St David’s Cathedral today.

It is St David’s teachings that have resonated through time. He emphasized the importance of simplicity, kindness, and humanity. For St David, It was not the mighty acts that were important but the small things that built up to make a difference to others and can have a momentous influence on the world. The Welsh still use his phrase, ‘Gwnewch y pethae bychain mewn bywyd’ which translates to ‘Do the little things in life.’ He believed in showing joy and thankfulness and appreciating the natural world.

St David was known for his unwavering commitment to helping those in need. He and his monks exemplified the virtues of humility and compassion. Those who followed St David, and those led a particularly austere life. They only drank water, were vegetarians and did not like the killing of animals. They grew everything they ate, ploughed by hand, and were not afraid of manual work.

There are many legends of the miracles that St David performed. When he was preaching at Llanddewi Brefi people commented that that those far back could not hear him. In answer the ground is supposed to have raised to a hill and a white dove settled on his shoulder. Another miracle attributed to St David was the restoration of a blind man’s sight. On his way to Jerusalem, David encountered Llywarch who had struggled with blindness. David prayed fervently for healing and Llywarch’s sight was restored.

In addition to healing the sick and performing miracles, Saint David was also credited with miraculous interventions in times of danger and hardship. During his lifetime, Wales was beset by various threats, including raids by invaders and natural disasters. In these times of crisis, David was said to have interceded on behalf of his people, protecting them from harm and guiding them through adversity.

The leek is worn because it said that St David encouraged Welsh soldiers to wear a leek on their helmets to distinguish themselves from their foes the Anglo-Saxons while they fought. Meanwhile, it is thought that the daffodil became associated with St David’s teaching because the vibrant yellow of the blooms arriving in the spring represents new beginnings.

St David died on March 1st589 having made an enormous contribution to religion and culture in Wales. Those wearing daffodils or leeks on St David’s Day eating their Welshcakes, bara brith, or even thick soup called cawl, may well be reflecting on St David’s message and how we can all make a difference by doing little acts of kindness in life.

If you enjoy Welsh historical fiction you might like reading ‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’ and the sequel ‘The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance’.