Celebrating St Dwynwen’s Day

Fri, 22 Jan 10 09:59:00

January 25th is the patron saint’s day of Welsh lovers – Saint Dwynwen’s Day. To celebrate the occasion, the Library’s shop and cafe will sell tasteful Welsh gifts and cards on Monday 25 January for you and your loved one.

 

Dwynwen lived during the 5th century and was one of Brychan Brycheiniog's 24 daughters and there are several versions of her story. One says that Dwynwen fell in love with Maelon Dafodrill, but unfortunately her father had already arranged that she should marry someone else. Maelon was so outraged that he raped Dwynwen and left her.

 

In her grief Dwynwen fled to the woods, where she begged God to make her forget Maelon. After falling asleep, Dwynwen was visited by an angel, who appeared carrying a sweet potion designed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him into a block of ice.

 

God then gave three wishes to Dwynwen. First she wished that Maelon be thawed, second that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers and third that she should never marry. All three were fulfilled, and as a mark of her thanks, Dwynwen devoted herself to God's service for the rest of her life.

 

Remains of Dwynwen's church can be seen today on the island of Llanddwyn, off the coast of Anglesey. During the 14th century, on visiting the island, the poet Dafydd ap Gwilym witnessed a golden image of Dwynwen inside the church, and was bold enough to request her help as a messenger between himself and Morfudd, the girl he hoped to win — despite the fact that Morfudd was already married!

 

Also situated on the island is Dwynwen's well, where, allegedly, a sacred fish swims, whose movements predict the future fortunes and relationships of various couples. Visitors to the well believe that if the water boils while they are present, then love and good luck will surely follow.

 

The popularity and celebration of St Dwynwen's day has increased considerably in recent years, with special events, such as concerts and parties, often held and greetings cards printed. Although still not as popular as St Valentine's Day in February, St Dwynwen is certainly becoming better-known among today's population of Wales.

 

Information by courtesy of Saint Fagans National History Museum

 

Links

The Geoff Charles Collection

Geoff Charles Bombs and bouquets photographs

 

Further information

Siôn Jobbins, NLW Press Office: 01970 632 902 post@llgc.org.uk