Happy St. David's Day

St. David's Day celebrated each year on 1 March, is the feast day for Wales' patron saint.

1 March marks the death of St David, who died on that day in 589 AD. In the 18th century it was declared a national day of celebration in Wales.

The celebrations of St David's Day are not as boisterous as those marking St Patrick's Day in Ireland, although the occasion is celebrated by Welsh people all over the world.

There are various traditions associated with the day. Many people wear one or both of Wales' national emblems on the lapel: the leek, which was St David's personal symbol, and the daffodil, a traditional symbol of Wales which is in bloom during that time of year.

David is believed to have been born near the present day city that bears his name, in Pembrokeshire, South West Wales. The exact year of his birth is unknown, with estimates ranging from 462 to 515 AD.

Much of what we know about David comes from Rhygyfarch, the 11th century author who wrote the Life of Saint David. As it was written so long after the fact, its reliability is questionable. Additionally, the legend is woven with embellishments, which would have been undoubtedly inspiring to believers in centuries past.