Special Features - All eyes on David

A daffodil, one of the official symbols of Wales, is often worn by the Welsh on St David's Day.

All eyes on David
(29/02/08)

He was a teetotal, vegetarian monk who believed in unrelenting physical labour.

We're talking about St David, a renowned teacher, preacher and 'miracle worker' from the sixth century.

All singing and dancing…and eating

Every year the Welsh celebrate the life of St David ('Dewi Sant' in Welsh), who died on 1 March 589.

A sombre affair it is not. Instead St David's Day, on 1 March, is packed with a range of activities usually centred around singing, dancing and eating.

This year's activities include:

Free admission to all monuments which are open on St David's Day
A concert by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales which also celebrates the 25th anniversary of St David's Hall in Cardiff
A musical affair at the Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl showcasing a host of Welsh artists, including the Rhos Male Voice Choir
A festive St David's Day market in Cardiff where stallholders and staff will don traditional Welsh outfits to raise money for a local children's hospice
The Great Welsh Cake Challenge at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.

And the celebrations are not only held in Wales. Over the years, St David is remembered throughout the UK and abroad.

Traditional dress up

On St David's Day, you will find most people wearing either a daffodil or a leek in their lapel, the official symbols of Wales. And then there's Y Ddraig Goch - Wales's national Red Dragon flag - flying high on most buildings.

It's also the day when you can see traditional Welsh costume in its full glory, including a long woollen skirt, white blouse, woollen shawl and a Welsh hat (tall and narrow) mostly worn by schoolgirls who perform traditional dances on the day.

All about 'Dewi Sant'

St David, who is said to have been of royal lineage, was one of the many early saints who helped spread Christianity among the pagan Celtic tribes of Western Britain.

He travelled throughout Wales and even went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where he became a Bishop. He later founded a monastery in Wales which is now the site of St David's Cathedral. This is where he was later buried, and the cathedral became a popular place of pilgrimage throughout the Middle Ages.