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Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus

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Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus

01 March 2022

What is St David famous for?

Most of the information we have about St David was written by 11th century scholar Rhygyfarch. His scriptures tell us that St David was born in Pembrokeshire in the year 500, he was the grandson of Ceredig ap Cunedda, king of Ceredigion, and he became a renowned preacher, founding monastic settlements and churches in Wales, Brittany and England – including, possibly, the abbey at Glastonbury.1

His final words to his followers before his death are believed to have been: "Be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do." And as such, the phrase ‘Gwenwch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd’ -'Do the little things in life' - is still a well-known phrase in Wales.
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In his lifetime, it is said that St David made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem becoming an archbishop and returning with a stone that formed part of his original monastery; this now sits on the altar at St David's Cathedral.

​​​​​​​ He was famed for his pious austerity and was made a patron saint by Pope Callixtus in the 12th century, and we have celebrated St David’s Day ever since.
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How do we celebrate St David's Day?

  • Why Daffodils? Daffodils are the first flowers of Spring and begin blooming early on in March coinciding with St David’s Day. Interestingly the Welsh for leek, “Cenhinen”, is uncannily like the Welsh for daffodil, “Cenhinen Pedr”, which translates to "Peter's Leek"2.
  • Why Leeks? Leeks are worn in remembrance of the battle against the Saxons. Led by St David, Welsh warriors pinned leeks to their uniform so they could be easily distinguished against their opponents! The Welsh won this battle, and so the leek became one of their National emblems. ​​​​​​​

What do we eat on St David's Day?

  • Welsh cakes
  • Bara brith 
  • Cawl
  • Glamorgan sausages 

The park opens for the 2022 season on St David's Day - 1st March 2022. 

We can't wait to see you all! 

 

Team Marine 

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