On January 25, as the Scots dig into their Haggis, Neeps and Tatties washed down with a dram of Scottish whisky to celebrate the birth of their national poet, Rabbie Burns, the Welsh will be very much focused on love and romance in memory of Santes Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Dwynwen or Dwyn is the Welsh equivalent of St Valentine and, according to legend, was one of the twenty-four daughters of King Brychan, who ruled over the kingdom of Brycheiniog in South Wales during the 5th Century AD.
There are many variations of her story which have been passed down over the centuries, the most common/popular tells how Brychan arranged for his daughter to marry a prince. Dwynwen, however, was in love with a local man called Maelon Dafodrill. When she informed Maelon that she had to follow her father’s wishes, Maelon became angry. Distraught and overcome with grief, Dwynwen turned to God to ask for help in easing her suffering.
In response to her prayers, Dwynwen was visited by an angel, who offered her a potion that would make her forget Maelon but when she drank the potion, Maelon was turned into a block of ice. Dwynwen was then granted three wishes: her first was for Maelon to be thawed; her second, that true lovers would always find happiness; and her third, never to marry. Dwynwen instead chose a life of piety and eventually withdrew to Ynys Llanddwyn, a small tidal island off the west coast of Ynys Môn (Anglesey).
In the Middle Ages, Llanddwyn became a pilgrimage site, where pilgrims left offerings and tokens of devotion at Dwynwen’s Well, which was believed to possess mystical properties. Following the Reformation in the 1500s the practice dwindled. Today, the ruins of a small chapel built in the 17th Century marks the site of Dwynwen’s original convent.
St Dwynwen’s Day has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with couples exchanging gifts and cards. Another tradition sometimes practised on St Dwynwen’s Day is giving beautifully carved love spoons – a symbol of love in Wales since the 17th Century, where each wooden spoon carries a specific meaning.
Incidentally, as well as being the Welsh patron saint of lovers, Dwynwen is also the patron saint of sick animals. So, if your pet is unwell, you could try turning to St Dwynwen before calling the vet – far cheaper and it might work!
About the Author
Dafydd Phillips is a Welsh-speaking Wales and London Blue Badge Tourist Guide. Born and bred in North Wales Dafydd has been guiding since 2007. Offering tours in and around London. I also lead tours at the Fuller’s Brewery in Chiswick. He has an in-depth knowledge of the language and culture of this beautiful land of song and legends. Meet Dafydd here
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