English Festivals, Fiestas And Days

Introduction. Saint David’s day. Saint Patrick day. Valentine’s Day. Saint David's Day. History of Saint David’s day. Valentine‘s day symbols, traditions and customs. Conclusions. Appendix. List of references.

2.1 History of Saint David’s day: Saint David or Dewy Saint was the saint patron of Wales. He was a Celtic monk, abbot and bishop, who lived in the sixth century. During his life he was one of many early saints who helped to spread Christianity among the pagan Celtic tribes of western Britain. David died in the sixth century. As some people said David have been of royal lineage - his father was the son of Ceredig, the Prince of Ceredigion, and his mother – Non, was the daughter of a local leader. He was a very gentle person who lived an economical life. He ate mostly bread and herbs. Sometimes David was known as a „David Ddyfrwr“that mean David the Water Drinker. The water was an important part of his life. He said he didn‘t drink nothing else. Someone said because he drank the water he was tall and physically strong. It is known that David was born near Capel Non in the south west of Wales. We didn‘t know a lot about his early life apart that he was educated in a monastery called Hen Fynyw. There he stayed for some years before going on his missionary travels. David visited Wales, the south and west England and Cornwall. He has also traveled to Ireland and Jerusalem to meet the Patriarch. The most well-known story about Saint David's life is that once in the monks meeting the Landdewi Brefi decides that David must to be Archbishop. It was very short and surprising decision of the monks meeting. It is claimed that David lived for over 100 years, and it is generally accepted that he died in the year 589.