St. Dwynwen’s Day

St. Dwynwen’s Day is a traditional Welsh holiday celebrated annually on January 25. This day serves as the Welsh equivalent to Valentine’s Day, honoring Santes Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers in Wales, whose story of heartbreak and faith has inspired generations.

History of St. Dwynwen’s Day

The holiday originates from a 5th-century legend involving Dwynwen, a princess and daughter of King Brychan Brycheiniog. According to folklore, Dwynwen fell deeply in love with a young man named Maelon Dafodrill. However, their union was forbidden by her father, who had already arranged for her to marry another suitor. Heartbroken, Dwynwen fled to a forest and prayed to God to help her forget her love for Maelon. An angel appeared and gave her a potion intended to erase her memories, but the drink inadvertently turned Maelon into a block of ice.

Distraught by this outcome, Dwynwen prayed again and was granted three wishes. She first asked that Maelon be thawed, then requested that God fulfill the hopes and dreams of all true lovers, and finally asked that she herself never marry. In gratitude for her wishes being granted, she dedicated her life to religious service and became a nun. She founded a convent on Ynys Llanddwyn, a small tidal island off the coast of Anglesey. Dwynwen remained there in solitude until her death around 460 AD, and the ruins of her church still stand as a place of pilgrimage.

Why is St. Dwynwen’s Day important?

This day is a vital component of Welsh national identity, providing a unique cultural alternative to the more commercialized Valentine’s Day. It celebrates a story of resilience and selfless love, shifting the focus from personal romantic gain to the broader happiness of all lovers. For the people of Wales, it is an opportunity to express pride in their Celtic heritage and linguistic traditions, as greetings are often exchanged in the Welsh language using the phrase “Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus.”

The observance also highlights the natural and architectural beauty of Wales, particularly Llanddwyn Island and its associated landmarks. The legend has inspired centuries of Welsh poetry and music, keeping ancient oral traditions alive in the modern era. By honoring Dwynwen, the holiday promotes the values of compassion and cheerfulness, qualities she was said to possess in abundance. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of personal sorrow, one can find a higher purpose in helping others find joy.

• It commemorates the 5th-century princess who became the patron saint of love
• It preserves uniquely Welsh romantic customs and folklore
• It encourages the use of the Welsh language in everyday life
• It promotes the cultural history of Ynys Môn and the Brecon Beacons
• It honors the selfless wishes of Dwynwen for the happiness of others

How to Celebrate St. Dwynwen’s Day

A central tradition of the day is the giving of Welsh lovespoons. These intricate wooden spoons are hand-carved with various symbols, each holding a specific meaning; for example, a heart represents love, a key symbolizes the heart’s security, and a wheel signifies a commitment to work hard for a partner. While traditionally carved by suitors to show their skill, they are now common gifts exchanged between couples, friends, and family. Cards and flowers are also popular, often accompanied by heartfelt messages written in Welsh.

Many people observe the day by visiting the ruins of St. Dwynwen’s Church on Llanddwyn Island. Pilgrims often visit Dwynwen’s Well, where legend says the movement of sacred eels or fish can predict the future of a relationship. If the water appears to “boil” or the fish are active, it is considered a sign of a faithful and prosperous union. In modern times, the day is also celebrated with concerts, community parties, and romantic dinners that feature local Welsh ingredients and traditional music.

• Exchange a hand-carved wooden lovespoon with a special person
• Walk to the ruins of St. Dwynwen’s Church during low tide on Anglesey
• Send a card with the message “Rwy’n dy garu di” (I love you)
• Look for the sacred eels in Dwynwen’s Well to see if the water boils
• Prepare a meal using local Welsh produce to share with loved ones

St. Dwynwen’s Day Dates Table