St. Dwynwen's Day

St. Dwynwen's Day is celebrated on the 25th of January in Wales. Similar to what happens on Valentine's Day, Lovers often give each other cards and gifts on St. Dwynwen's Day.

Dwynwen is the patron saint of Welsh lovers and lived during the 5th century. She was said to be one of 24 children fathered by the then King of Wales, Brychan Brycheiniog. She was renowned to be both very religious and pure. The name 'Dwynwen' means "she who leads a blessed life" in Welsh.

Press here to see our range of Love Spoons that are ideal as Santes Dwynwen or Valentine's Day gifts.

As the legend goes, Dwynwen fell in love with Maelon Dafodrill, and they wanted to marry, but her father refused consent due to his preference for another arranged suitor. In his anger about the rejection, Maelon raped and left Dwynwen.

Dwynwen's sadness leads her to console herself in the woods nearby, where she prays to God to rid her of her feelings for Maelon. Answering her prayers, an angel comes to Dwynwen in a dream, and gives her a potion to help her forget Maelon, and turn him into ice.

God then grants Dwynwen three requests. The first was to have Maelon thawed, the second was that God would look kindly on the hopes and dreams of true lovers, and her final request was that she would never marry. Her wishes came true, and as thanks she devoted the remainder of her life to God.

Dwynwen then became a nun and she settled on Llanddwyn Island, which rests off the west coast of Anglesey. She died of natural causes around 460AD. The remains of the16th century Tudor church in Llanddwyn can be seen today although the site is attributed to the earlier church founded by Dwynwen. The church and the nearby well have attracted pilgrimages by people over the centuries, particularly from young lovers seeking assurances of their future lives together.

The water of the well was said to be the home for a magical and sacred fish (or eel) whose behaviour and movement predicted the future for young lovers. Questions were asked of the fish and the answers were determined by the direction in which it moved. Women would test the faithfulness of their husbands by sprinkling breadcrumbs into the water and then placing a handkerchief on the surface. The husband would be deemed faithful if the fish disturbed the surface.

Recent years have seen an increase amongst people in Wales celebrating St. Dwynwen's Day by exchanging cards and gifts such as love spoons. Special events such as parties and concerts are also held on the 25th of January, which shows the increasing popularity of celebrating St. Dwynwen's Day amongst the Welsh.

Press here to see our range of Love Spoons that are ideal as Santes Dwynwen or Valentine's Day gifts.

Read More:
Santes Dwynwen - en.wikipedia.org
FAQ: St Dwynwen's Day - amgueddfa.cymru
The Legend of Llanddwyn Island: St. Dwynwen - angleseyheritage.com
The story of Dwynwen, Welsh patron saint of lovers - news.bbc.co.uk
7 things you probably didn't know about St Dwynwen's Day - walesonline.co.uk