St. David's Day: Uncovering the legend

Uncovering the Legend of SAINT DAVID WALES' PATRON SAINT WHO MOVED MOUNTAINS While his name and designated holiday might be lesser known across the globe than Saint Valentine's or Saint Patrick's, there's a rightful celebration for Wales' patron saint, too. Every year on March 1, Welsh people sport their leeks and daffodils in honor of Dewi Sant (in Welsh), better known as Saint David. THE Early YEARS It's uncertain what year Saint David was born, but it's estimated between 462 and 515 AD. While many facts of his life are unknown or heavily embellished, his biographer accounts for much of what we know of the saint's early years. Angels foretold of David's birth to Saint Patrick 30 years before he was born. David's mother, Saint Non, gave birth atop a cliff during a violent labor was so intense that her fingers left marks in the rocks she grasped onto. Her THE MAN, Che Legend Early on, David sought a religious life. He was educated at a monastery for 10 years before roaming Britain to convert pagans to Christianity and performing a miracle or two along the way. David and his fellow monks lived a As an ordained priest, David is believed One day, as David spoke to a large crowd, the simple life, only speaking during prayer to have founded 12 monasteries in people complained they could not hear him. or emergencies. They ate only bread and vegetables, washing them down with milk or water. David drank only water. southern Wales. Two pilgrimages to the Soon, the ground beneath David's feet rose UK's smallest city, Saint David's, is equal to one pilgrimage to the Vatican in Rome. until he was standing on a large hill where he could be seen and heard by all. TRADITIONS, Chen AND NOW Party on, lWales Celebrating the day of David's death on March 1, 589, the Welsh mark the day with parades, food festivals, street parties, and concerts. The national day of celebration, however, wasn't recognized in Wales until the 18th Century. Spring a leek Before a battle with the Saxons, Saint David told the Britons to wear leeks in their caps to help identify friend from foe, resulting in a great victory. Today, people mark the day by wearing a leek or daffodil. Eat Up To include leeks in their celebrations, many people cook with leeks on March 1. One popular Welsh stew, named Cawl, is made of lamb and leeks. TO Celebrote SAINT DAVID be sure to sport your leek and chant "Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus!" (WELSH FOR “HAPPY SAINT DAVID'S DAY!") SOURCES: BBC-WALES • WALES.COM • UK MIRROR Confused.com Uncovering the Legend of SAINT DAVID WALES' PATRON SAINT WHO MOVED MOUNTAINS While his name and designated holiday might be lesser known across the globe than Saint Valentine's or Saint Patrick's, there's a rightful celebration for Wales' patron saint, too. Every year on March 1, Welsh people sport their leeks and daffodils in honor of Dewi Sant (in Welsh), better known as Saint David. THE Early YEARS It's uncertain what year Saint David was born, but it's estimated between 462 and 515 AD. While many facts of his life are unknown or heavily embellished, his biographer accounts for much of what we know of the saint's early years. Angels foretold of David's birth to Saint Patrick 30 years before he was born. David's mother, Saint Non, gave birth atop a cliff during a violent labor was so intense that her fingers left marks in the rocks she grasped onto. Her THE MAN, Che Legend Early on, David sought a religious life. He was educated at a monastery for 10 years before roaming Britain to convert pagans to Christianity and performing a miracle or two along the way. David and his fellow monks lived a As an ordained priest, David is believed One day, as David spoke to a large crowd, the simple life, only speaking during prayer to have founded 12 monasteries in people complained they could not hear him. or emergencies. They ate only bread and vegetables, washing them down with milk or water. David drank only water. southern Wales. Two pilgrimages to the Soon, the ground beneath David's feet rose UK's smallest city, Saint David's, is equal to one pilgrimage to the Vatican in Rome. until he was standing on a large hill where he could be seen and heard by all. TRADITIONS, Chen AND NOW Party on, lWales Celebrating the day of David's death on March 1, 589, the Welsh mark the day with parades, food festivals, street parties, and concerts. The national day of celebration, however, wasn't recognized in Wales until the 18th Century. Spring a leek Before a battle with the Saxons, Saint David told the Britons to wear leeks in their caps to help identify friend from foe, resulting in a great victory. Today, people mark the day by wearing a leek or daffodil. Eat Up To include leeks in their celebrations, many people cook with leeks on March 1. One popular Welsh stew, named Cawl, is made of lamb and leeks. TO Celebrote SAINT DAVID be sure to sport your leek and chant "Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus!" (WELSH FOR “HAPPY SAINT DAVID'S DAY!") SOURCES: BBC-WALES • WALES.COM • UK MIRROR Confused.com