ST DAVID'S DAY is celebrated in Wales on the 1st March in honour of Dewi Sant or St David, the patron saint of Wales. Little information is known about Dewi Sant - but he was educated in Cardiganshire and then went on pilgrimage through South Wales and the West of England where it is said he founded religious centres such as Glastonbury and Croyland. He was made an Archbishop on pilgrimage to Jerusalem.  

ST DAVIDS 1

He eventually settled in Glyn Rhosyn ( St David's) where he established a very strict ascetic religious community. He died in 589AD. From the 12th century onwards Dewi Sant's fame spread through the writings of Rhigyfarch. Dewi was officially recognised as a Catholic Saint in 1120. He was often referred to in the works of Welsh poets Iolo Goch and Lewys Glyn Cothi. In 1398 it was ordained his feast-day was to be kept by every church in the Province of Canterbury. The day of his birth became a national festival during the 18th century.

March 1st is celebrated by schools and cultural societies throughout Wales and it is the custom on this day to wear either a leek or daffodil - two national emblems of Wales.

To help celebrate and recognise St David's Day you can purchase your flags, bunting, hand wavers and car flags from www.theflagshop.co.uk or you can telephone 01246 297600 to place an order.