St David (Dewi Sant) a church official; later regarded as a saint and as the patron saint of Wales. In contrast with the other national patron saints of the British Isles and Ireland, David is a native of the country of which he is patron saint. His birth date is still uncertain, as suggestions range from 462 to 512.
A teacher and preacher, founding monastic settlements and churches in Wales and Cornwall in a period when neighbouring tribal areas were overrun by mostly Pagan Anglo-Saxon tribes. He went on a pilgrimages to Jerusalem (where he was anointed as an archbishop by the Patriarch) and Rome. St David's Cathedral now stands on the site of the monastery he founded in the remote and inhospitable valley of 'Glyn Rhosyn' in Pembrokeshire.
The best-known miracle associated with Saint David is said to have taken place when he was preaching in the middle of a large crowd at the Synod of Llanddewi Brefi. When those at the back complained that they could not see or hear him, the ground on which he stood is reputed to have risen up to form a small hill so that everyone had a good view. A white dove was seen settling on his shoulder—a sign of God's grace and blessing.
The poem Armes Prydein 10th Cenury BC prophesises in the future, the Cymry (the Welsh people) would unite to follow David as their leader: A lluman glân Dewi a ddyrchafant (And they will raise the pure banner of Dewi) and defeat the English.
Saint David's Day (Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant) the feast day of Saint David falls on 1 March each year. The date was chosen in remembrance of the death of Saint David on that day in 589. To celebrate this day, people wear a symbol of either a leek. The leek is patriotic, arising from an occasion when a troop of Welsh were able to distinguish each other from a troop of English enemy dressed in similar fashion by wearing leeks.
(read less)St David (Dewi Sant) a church official; later regarded as a saint and as the patron saint of Wales. In contrast with the other national patron saints of the British Isles and Ireland, David is a native of the country of which he is patron saint. His birth date is still uncertain, as suggestions range from 462 to 512.
A teacher and preacher, founding monastic settlements and churches in Wales and Cornwall in a period when neighbouring tribal areas were overrun by mostly Pagan Anglo-Saxon...
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