Why Celebrate St David's Day?

A day we are all aware of, especially with Google making sure we know, many do not understand the importance of St David's Day (Dydd Gwyl Dewi). It has been reported that 'more than half' don't know why the day is celebrated. Know in Welsh as Dewi Sant, Saint David travelled across the majority of Wales and was at the heart of the church in the 6th Century. He founded numerous religious sites, hence many are dedicated to him, and had a loyal following. Tradition holds that Saint David died on this day in 589 AD.

St Davids Message

A prophet and teacher, St David helped spread the Christian message to the pagan Celtic tribes at the time. His most famous saying sums up St David's practice and message; "doing the little things in God's presence with conscientiousness and devotion". He believed monks should live simply, work hard and continue to pray. David is believed to have maintained a strict diet, only drinking water and eating vegetables and bread. St David's shrine has become a key Christian centre and place of pilgrimage.

Celebrations

A national festival in Wales since the 18th Century, the day is marked with great fervour throughout the country. Many people wear leeks or daffodils, whilst numerous buildings fly the national flag. In schools it is observed with religious services with song and dance playing a big part. In the major cities parades are held to celebrate the day, again with music, cultural and sporting elements being involved.

Happy St David's Day.

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