Located in the Forest of Dean, The Wyndham is only a stone’s throw away from Wales and our wonderful Welsh neighbours. Today, we are looking at the history and tradition of St David’s Day, a national day for our neighbours, and it’s right around the corner.
The History of St David’s Day
St David’s Day is celebrated every year on 1st March in Wales and honours the country’s patron saint, Saint David. Though the exact date of his birth is up for debate, David is believed to have been born around 1,500 years ago on the Pembrokeshire cliffs. David became a monk and is thought to have founded a monastery close to his birthplace. He played a big part in spreading Christianity throughout Wales, making him an iconic figure in Wales’ history.
There are many stories about David. For example, he’s said to have restored a blind man’s vision and brought a child back to life, among many other miracles and tales. In fact, he’s even thought to have moved a mountain during a sermon, enabling more of the growing crowd to see and hear him. This is also when a dove is said to have landed on his shoulder, which became an emblem for St David’s Day.
St David’s Day Facts and Traditions
- St David’s Popularity Spans Further Than Wales – St David has had a big impact on Wales, and the surrounding areas. Churches dedicated to him can be found elsewhere, too, including in England, Ireland and Brittany.
- St David’s Head and Arm Was Taken to London After His Death – King Edward I of England took St David’s head and arm to London after his 1284 military campaign in Wales. He took them from their resting place in the cathedral and displayed them in the capital.
- The Nickname ‘Taffy’ Links to Him – ‘Taffy’ is a nickname for a Welshman, and the term links back to St David. It’s a 17th-century term derived from the Welsh for David, Dafydd.
- St David Has His Own Flag – It’s not uncommon for people to celebrate St David’s Day by wearing a leek or a daffodil, which are emblems of Wales, or by displaying the flag of St David. This flag is depicted by a yellow cross on a black background.
- A Shrine Was Built in His Honour – A shrine was built in honour of St David’s death at his cathedral. Pope Callistus II told Catholics that two pilgrimages to the shrine were worth one pilgrimage to the Vatican in Rome.
There are always exciting things happening to celebrate St David’s Day in Wales, with various events taking place across the country. It’s a day to celebrate Welsh history, traditions, culture and heritage and to take pride in being Welsh.
Whether you are stopping in the Forest of Dean on your way to holiday in Wales or returning home after a trip to England The Wyndham puts you in the heart of the Forest of Dean, a perfect place to stop on the way.
