1. St David is the only British/Irish saint to be born in the country he is patron of
Legend has it that St David (or 'Dewi Sant鈥 in Welsh) was born on a Pembrokeshire hill-top during a fierce storm. The date of his birth isn't certain, but it is generally accepted that he died on the 1st March 589 A.D.
A biography written by 11th century monk, Rhygyfarch, claims that he lived to the ripe old age of 147!
2. There are many stories of David performing miracles
The stories include:
- David raising the ground under him to form a hill, so that all of his congregation could see him
- raising a youth from the dead
- surviving eating poisoned bread
One of the most famous stories is David restoring the sight of his teacher, Paulinus:
Video. A short animation of the story of David and Paulinus. David's teacher, Paulinus, has gone blind and prays for help.
3. David was an early vegetarian
As a devout monk, David and his brothers are said to have eaten only bread, vegetables and herbs, and to have drank only water. He became known as 鈥淒avid the water drinker鈥.
David and the other monks were also required to tend the land by hand, without the aid of animals, and to look after the poor in their community.
大象传媒 Food has a vegetarian St David's day menu.
4. The humble leek forms an important part of St David鈥檚 Day
The leek, and later the daffodil, are both national symbols of Wales and are often worn on St David鈥檚 Day.
Legend has it that St David suggested Welsh soldiers wear a leek on their helmets to distinguish them from the invading Saxon soldiers who wore similar uniforms. The leek features in the uniforms of Welsh regiments to this day.
Some St David's Day celebrations have even included such activities as leek-eating competitions and a longest leek competition!
5. St David's last words have become famous
St David鈥檚 last words to his followers are recorded as:
"Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do."
鈥淒o the little things鈥 is a well-known phrase in Wales. It suggests that the small actions we take in life can be just as significant for ourselves and others as the big ones.
A bank holiday to celebrate St David..?
St Andrew鈥檚 Day is a public holiday in Scotland as is St Patrick鈥檚 Day across Ireland. There are campaigns, with some political support, for both St David鈥檚 Day and St George鈥檚 Day to become bank holidays as well. What do you think should happen?