We’ll be hard-pressed to find a day more charming than St. Dwynwen’s Day, today – January 25th. As the Welsh equivalent to Valentine’s Day, St. Dwynwen’s is all about spreading heartfelt gestures and lovers’ well-wishes. It’s all about showing us all how we can turn a crummy situation into a legacy of love.
St. Dwynwen’s Day Facts
- St. Dwynwen’s Day is named after St. Dwynwen, a Welsh saint who lived in the 5th century. According to legend, Dwynwen fell in love with a prince, but her father forbade their union. Dwynwen prayed to God for a solution and was granted three wishes: to forget her love for the prince, to see him happy, and to never marry.
- St. Dwynwen’s Day is a day for Welsh lovers to express their affection for one another and to celebrate love and romance.
- On St. Dwynwen’s Day, Welsh couples exchange love letters, gifts, and cards, and may also participate in special events, such as candlelit dinners or parties.
- Some Welsh traditions associated with St. Dwynwen’s Day include carving love spoons, giving love tokens, and visiting wells or springs associated with the saint.
- St. Dwynwen’s Day is an important cultural holiday in Wales, celebrated by Welsh people all over the world. It is seen as a symbol of the enduring nature of Welsh love and romance.
- St. Dwynwen’s Day is similar to Valentine’s Day and other holidays dedicated to love and romance, such as St. Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated on February 14th.
CADW History Explorers have put together a great video all about our patron saint of love……
ONLY THE WELSH CAN CWTCH
The word cwtch is the closest thing to the English equivalents of ‘cuddle’, ‘snuggle’ and ‘hug’. However, it has a deeper meaning for the Welsh. Traditionally the cwtch was a cupboard or cubbyhole where the coal was stored. It was a private, concealed, safe place – which could also be a respected connection in two people’s hearts. It is one of the nation’s favourite words and symbolises that warm feeling that only closeness can create.
St. Dwynwen, or Dydd Santes Dwynwen, was born one of 24 daughters to a Welsh king Brychan Brycheiniog during the 5th century. Legend has it that she was the most beautiful of the king’s girls and was highly sought after by royals in the neighboring countries. But Dwynwen fell in love with local citizen Maelon Dafodrill. When he received news from Dwynwen’s father that she had already been promised to a prince, he gave Dwynwen the silent treatment.
Rather than go through with the arranged marriage, Dwynwen ran into the forest in a state of distress to implore God to change her circumstances. She made three wishes: that Maelon — who had been turned into a block of ice by an angel who had visited Dwynwen before — would thaw, that God would help all true lovers, and that she would never marry. At the end of it all, God granted all three wishes and, to show her gratitude, Dwynwen moved to a Welsh convent and became a nun. She spent much of her time praying in earnest that other lovers would have better luck than herself, which is how she became Wales’s patron saint of lovers.
As you can imagine there’s plenty to do on the day itself, here’s a few ideas……
- FUTURE INNS – TASTE OF WALES AFTERNOON TEA
- WELSH HOUSE – SPECIAL AFTERNOON TEA
- BACARETO – SUPPER CLUB MENU
- TOMAS BY TOM SIMMONS – SANTES DWYNWEN TASTING MENU
- CRAFT A LOVE SPOON WITH CARDIFF UNIVERSITY – HERE
And if shopping is your thing, the team at St David’s Cardiff have put together a guide to the top romantic gifts ahead of St Dwynwen’s Day.
From love bugs and biscuit bags to the traditional perfumes and diamonds, the gift guide features what are tipped to be this year’s bestsellers for St Dwynwen’s Day on January 25th and Valentine’s Day on February 14th.
With more than 150 brands, St David’s offers everything to make St Dwynwen’s Day special while couples looking to celebrate by dining out can explore a host of cuisines at the city shopping destination’s restaurants including Ivy Asia, Giggling Squid, Gaucho, Wahaca, Wagamama and more.
Cute and playful
- Love Bug Plush Toy –Butterfly
- Adorable to cuddle up to, this 8-inch plush penguin toy is dressed as a cute butterfly.
- Available at: MINISO. Price: £11
- Yoshi Jammie Dodger Biscuit Leather Bag
- This official Jammie Dodger biscuit cream leather ladies cross body bag looks so yummy with its Jammy Love Heart front detailing.
- Available at: AG Meek. Price £59.99
Fragrance and beauty
- Ladies Fragrance Collection
- An adorable miniature set of feminine fragrances to suit a lady’s every mood. 5x5ml
- Available at: Penhaligon’s. Price £50
- Emporio Armani Stronger With You EDT
- Warm, sensual eau de toilette for men, inspired by a personal love story. 150ml
- Available at: The Perfume Shop. Price £64.99
- The Shea body care collection
- A must-have collection to soothe dry and dehydrated skin during the winter months – a perfect unisex gift for the one you love most.
- Available at: L’OCCITANE. Price £55
Jewellery
- Kissing Couple bracelet charm
- This hand-painted has a richly detailed design with engraved lines with red and black cold enamel with Soulmate engraved on the back.
- Available at: THOMAS SABO. Price £59
- Bound Forever Silver Bracelet
- Beautiful sterling silver bracelet with 9ct rose gold detailing containing rare Welsh gold, inspired by the ancient Celtic tradition of “handfasting”.
- Available at: Clogau. Free when you spend £129 or more on Clogau jewellery and watches, valid Feb 1-14.
- Diamond Solitaire Pendant
- This 18k yellow gold solitaire pendant with 0.15ct round brilliant diamond is a classic yet beautiful choice with £200 off RRP.
- Available at: Diamond Heaven. Price £300
Fashion
- Amora Love Heart Jacquard Brushed Jumper
- Bring a cute vibe to a cosy season. Made from a responsibly sourced wool blend yarn, it has a brushed texture that’s super soft with a jacquard motif of hearts.
- Available at: ALLSAINTS. Price £169
- BOSS Interlock-Cotton Polo Shirt
- An essential BOSS Menswear piece that belongs in any wardrobe. Made with a luxurious soft cotton, this fitted long sleeve polo shirt is the perfect piece for Valentine’s Day
- Available at: BOSS. Price £119
Lingerie
- Lacey Amour Bra, Thong and Suspender Set
- Get the Valentine’s matching set feeling with this heart-adorned Lacey Amour lingerie, designed to feel as good as it looks. Bra, thong, brief, high-waisted brief and suspender; sold separately.
- Available at: Bravissimo. Price from £18
- Amelia Satin Chemise – pink mix
- Discover the new Amelia collection made from 100% recycled polyester with premium lace trim detailing, adjustable straps, a side split and a silky satin finish for a luxurious feel.
- Available at: Boux Avenue. Price £30
Food lovers
- Giggling Squid Cookbook
- This is a celebration of Thai food from the much-loved restaurant, famous for their Thai tapas and beautifully designed bold vibrant interiors. Learn the secrets of their classic and sharing dishes and recreate them at home
- Available at: Giggling Squid, St David’s Cardiff. Price £25
- The Ivy Valentine’s Day Set Menu
- Celebrate the season of love with this specially curated three-course Valentine’s Day Set Menu, complemented by a glass of Della Vite Prosecco Rosé.
- Available at: The Ivy Cardiff. Price £75 per person
- The Ivy Asia Valentine’s Menu
- Explore a beautifully crafted set menu, perfect for two including dishes of Wagyu Beef Tataki, Black Miso Cod and a Cupids Roll dessert alongside opulent cocktails and breath-taking interiors.
- Available at: Ivy Asia. Price £55
Special offers for Valentine’s
- Enjoy two courses for £18.99 and celebrate with two -or one-on cocktails or a free glass of Prosecco with every main meal.
- Available at: TGI Fridays. Price £18.99 for two courses
For more details about St David’s, visit HERE
