Saint David's Day, celebrated on March 1st, is a national holiday in Wales, commemorating the life and deeds of Saint David. The earliest known mention of a day dedicated to Saint David dates back to 1120 AD, when Pope Calixtus II issued a papal bull declaring that March 1st should be celebrated as the feast day of Saint David. This recognition by the Pope helped elevate the importance of the saint and his feast day in the Christian calendar.

In Wales, Saint David's Day has been a long-standing celebration, but it has evolved over time. In the medieval period, Saint David's Day was marked by religious observances, including special church services, feasts, and the wearing of Saint David’s symbols, such as the leek or daffodil. The day was also celebrated with feasts and prayers for the well-being of Wales and its people.

The celebration of Saint David's Day began to fade during periods of political and religious upheaval, especially after the English annexation of Wales in the 16th century. However, in the 19th century, there was a resurgence of interest in Welsh culture, language, and national identity, particularly during the Romantic era. This led to a revival of Saint David's Day as a symbol of Welsh pride.

In 2000, Saint David’s Day became an official flag day in Wales, further cementing its significance as a day of national celebration.

Traditions and Customs of Saint David's Day

Saint David's Day is marked by a variety of cultural, religious, and social traditions that highlight Welsh pride, heritage, and identity. These traditions are celebrated by the people of Wales and by those with Welsh ancestry around the world. Below are some of the most prominent customs associated with the day:

 Wearing Leeks and Daffodils

One of the most well-known symbols of Saint David's Day is the leek. It is said that Saint David encouraged the Welsh soldiers to wear leeks in their caps as a means of identifying themselves during a battle against the Saxons. The leek became an enduring symbol of Wales and is often worn on Saint David's Day.

In modern times, the daffodil has also become a symbol of Wales, particularly in the 20th century. The daffodil, with its vibrant yellow color, is commonly worn on Saint David's Day, and both the leek and daffodil are often seen on lapels, hats, or as part of traditional Welsh costumes. shutdown123