St David’s Day is a celebration of the patron saint of Wales, St David. It is celebrated on the 1st March every year and is a national holiday in Wales. This day is celebrated with parades, festivals and parties. To learn more about St David’s Day, here are the top 10 facts about the celebration.
1. Saint David is the patron Saint of Wales.
Saint David’s Day is celebrated in Wales.
This is because Saint David is the patron saint of Wales!
This celebration is held to remember him.
2. Welsh people wear a daffodil or a leek on this day.
Did you know that daffodils and leeks are the national symbol of Wales?
There are many reasons as to why this is.
It is believed that leeks were put into soldiers helmets during a battle with the Saxons. This was so that you could recognise your fellow soldiers!
It’s also believed that the Battle of Crécy took place in a field of leeks.
Daffodils are also used as a national symbol and has recently replaced the leeks a bit more.
They come out around the time of St David’s Day!
3. Saint David is also known as Dewi Sant.
The Welsh have their own language, however they speak English too.
Saint David is also known as Dewi Sant in Welsh.
4. Saint David was born around the year 500.
Although quite a lot is known about Saint David, there is still one question that is unanswered!
It is a mystery as to when Saint David was actually born.
However it is believed it was around the year 500.
5. He was a vegetarian!
Saint David was a vegetarian – he never ate meat.
It is believed that he only ever ate leeks. He only drunk water too!
Maybe that is one of the reasons why the leek is a symbol of Wales!
Watch this video about nutrition!
6. St David’s Day is on 1st March.
St David’s Day is on 1st March every year.
It is celebrated on this day as this is the day that Saint David sadly passed away.
7. Saint David died in 589.
Saint David died in 589.
He is now buried in Wales, at the St David’s Cathedral.
8. Legend has it that Saint David could perform miracles!
It is said that Saint David was preaching to a large crowd of people.
The people at the back couldn’t hear him.
He made the ground below him form into a hill so that the people at the back could hear and see him better!
9. Every year a parade is held in Cardiff to celebrate.
Every year, there is a parade held in Cardiff on St David’s Day.
Lots of theatre groups get involved.
The parade also includes lots of dragons, like the one on the Welsh flag.
Children will take part by doing dances and wearing traditional Welsh clothing.
10. ‘Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus’ means Happy St David’s Day in Welsh!
Welsh is a very tough language to learn.
To say Happy St David’s Day, just say ‘Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus’.
Easy…!
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