Who was Saint David and why is he so important in Wales?
Saint David #SaintDavid
March 1 marks St David’s Day or Dydd Gŵyl Dewi – the national day of Wales. Our patron saint has been celebrated since the 12th century by people all over Wales and beyond.
Today, we celebrate our Welshness by wearing daffodils, singing, eating Welsh Cakes – which are Cacen Gri or Picau ar y Maen in Welsh depending on which part of Wales you’re from, as well as children dressing up in traditional clothes or their favourite Welsh sports shirt.
But perhaps some of us may be asking, who exactly was Saint David? What did he do and why is he so important to Wales to this day? Although not much is known about the patron saint, the son of the Bishop of St. Davids – Rhygyfarch, wrote a biography about him in 1090.
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The story goes that David, or Dewi as he is known in Welsh. was born on cliff top near Capel Non (Non’s Chapel) on the south-west Welsh coastline in Pembrokeshire during a fierce storm. It is said that both his parents, Sandde and Non, were descendants of Welsh royalty.
His father Sandde was the Prince of Powys, while his mother Non was the daughter of a chieftain of Menevia, known today as the little cathedral city of St Davids. Today, the site of David’s birthplace is marked by the ruins of an ancient chapel close to a holy well. Meanwhile, an 18th century chapel, which is near St David’s Cathedral, is dedicated to his mother Non.
In the mediaeval times, it was believed that St David was the nephew of King Arthur. Legend has it that the patron saint of Ireland – St Patrick, also foresaw the birth of David in approximately 520AD. Growing up, David was educated at the monastery of Hen Fynyw under the guidance of St. Paulinus. According to legend, David would perform several miracles during his life, including restoring St Paulinus’ sight.
During the battle against the Saxons, legend has it that David advised his soldiers to wear leeks in their hats so that they could easily distinguish themselves from their enemies, which is why the leek is one of the emblems of Wales today. David was also said to be a vegetarian, who only ate bread, herbs and vegetables and only drank water.
As a result, he became known as Aquaticus or Dewi Ddyfrwr in Welsh, which means ‘the water drinker’. Sometimes, as a self-imposed penance, he would stand up to his neck in a lack of cold water reciting Scriptures. Legend has it, that each milestone in his life was marked by the appearance of springs of water.
When he eventually became a missionary, David travelled throughout Wales and Britain. It is said that he even made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He founded 12 monasteries, including one in Glastonbury and one in Minevia, which eventually became St. Davids. In the year 550, he was named the Archbishop of Wales at the Synod of Brevi or Llanddewi-Brefi in Ceredigion.
Monastery life was very strict – the brothers would have to work very hard, cultivating land and pulling the plough. Many crafts such as beekeeping were also very important. The monks had to keep themselves fed as well as provide food and lodging for travellers. They would also have to look after the poor and needy.
It is said that St David died on March 1, 589 A.D. at Minevia at the age of 100. His remains were buried in a shrine in the 6th century cathedral, which was ransacked in the 11th century by Viking invaders, who plundered the site and murdered two bishops.
After his death, his influence spread far and wide, first through Britain and then by sea to Cornwall and Brittany. In 1120, Pope Callactus II canonised David as a Saint and thus he was declared the Patron Saint of Wales. His influence was so significant that pilgrimages were made to St Davids in Pembrokeshire and 50 churches in south Wales alone bear his name.
It is not certain how much of the history of St. David is fact and how much is speculation, but in 1996 bones were found in St. David’s Cathedral which, it is claimed, could be those of Dewi himself. His legacy, however, lives on and is celebrated every year on March 1 through various parades, concerts, eisteddfodau, the wearing of traditional Welsh clothes, a daffodil or a leek and much more.
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