We’ll be hard-pressed to find a day more charming than St. Dwynwen’s Day – January 25th (Sunday). 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.
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
- CELEBRATE AT CAERPHILLY CASTLE – HERE
- NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM CELEBRATE WITH HARP PERFORMANCES, CWTCH CRAFTS & MORE
St David’s in Cardiff have put together a St Dwynwen’s Day Gift Guidemwith each recommendation chosen for its style, quality and appeal from small indulgences to keepsakes.
The Blush and Glow Edit from SPACE NK
Celebrate love in all its forms with this limited-edition, love-inspired edit, housed in a pretty in pink washbag. Ideal for surprising and delighting, this set reminds us there’s nothing like a moment of selfcare. Features minis of Westman Atelier’s lash-transforming Eye Want You Mascara, Tatcha’s bestselling Kissu Lip Mask, Vyrao’s sensual Ludatrix eau de parfum, Summer Fridays’ must-try Blush Butter Balm in Toasted Terracota and a full-size REFY Lip Gloss in Rosewood. Worth £117. Price: £50.
Love borg mule slippers from Boux AvenueÂ
Crafted from sumptuously soft teddy fleece, these charming slippers provide an unparalleled cosy experience, making every step feel like a warm embrace. The adorable design features the word ‘love’ elegantly written across a vibrant red heart, adding a sweet touch to your at-home style. Price: £22. Or slip into this Kaya Satin Chemise crafted from soft liquid satin with delicate floral lace detailing Price: £36. Â
DIY Valentine’s Mug from Flying Tiger
A fun and thoughtful way to craft a personal, handmade gift filled with warmth and meaning. Whether enjoyed with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, this painted mug adds a personal touch to cosy moments. Made from ceramic, the set includes six paints and a brush, allowing you to decorate the mug with your own creative design. Price: £6.
Fiery Dragon Plush from Build A Bear
Make anyone’s heart soar with this smokin’ fun dragon plush. Make him roar with red-hot personalisation including the outfits, sounds, scents, and accessories of your choice. Price: £25, or pick up the baby version for just £8. Â
Heart Embroidered Square Scarf from Mint VelvetÂ
This navy square-shaped cotton neck scarf features an embroidered heart motif and is exclusively illustrated by Olivia Sewell. An ideal gift or something to treat yourself for St Dwynwen’s Day, perfect to wear all spring to complete your look. Price: £32. Or share the love with this cream wool blend love motif jumper. Price: £110.
Habi Strawberry Overnight Lip Mask from Boots
This Strawberry Swirl nourishing lip sleeping boasts shea butter and vitamin E. Its swirly formula intensely moisturises lips leaving them feeling soft, hydrated and more plump by morning with a juicy strawberry scent. It’s a sweet, indulgent treat that feels like a little act of love for a touch of pampering and romantic self-care this St Dwynwen’s Day. Price: £5.
Converse Chucks in Love All Star Lift from Schuh
Fall head over heels for these trainers which combine a classic silhouette with a romantic twist for St Dwynwen’s Day and beyond. These platform Converse are ready to make a statement and spread good energy. Price £85. Plus, team them with these Converse Chucks in Love EVA Lift Hi Girls for your mini-me. Price £60.Â
Archive Je T’Aime Wash Bag from John LewisÂ
Show your make up and wash bits a little love with this charming wash bag from the Archive collection. As bold as it is adorable. Price: £26
Or you’ve got to love the heart-icon tumbler, great for soft drinks or something stronger. The glass is textured with love heart motifs. Price £6
#Winning Hand Moulding Kit from Menkind
A fun DIY moulding kit for couples to hold hands and create a unique plaster cast keepsake. It captures every detail for a one‑of‑a‑kind sculpture. It’s a creative, hands‑on experience and a heartfelt way to celebrate togetherness resulting in a beautiful keepsake. Price: £20.
White Gold Diamond Open Heart Necklet from Fraser Hart
For a timeless way to say ‘I love you’, this stunning necklet is styled in 9ct white gold while the open heart is set with 0.05ct of diamonds. A charming piece, perfect for adding subtle sparkle to everyday wear. Price: Was £325.00, now £292.50 until February 15th.Â
18ct Yellow Gold Heart Necklace from PRAVINS
A simple and elegant heart necklace, crafted in luxurious 18ct gold. This playful design features a domed heart shape motif attached to the front of a fine trace chain. Perfect to layer with other pieces. Its playful heart makes it a charming token of affection they can wear every day. Price £295
Topsham Willow Tan Leather Handbag from Clarks
A classic handbag with a modern appeal, this cross-body bag will be a firm favourite. Pairable with everything in your weekend wardrobe, it has a sleek exterior in grained leather for a premium finish that stands the test of time. Price: £60. Or for him, choose the Garnet Mid Tan Leather Wallet. Crafted from richly grained leather, the search for the perfect wallet ends here.  Price: £35.
Coffret Coeur St. Valentin from The Body Shop
This love-themed collection is limited edition and has the essentials to pamper your other half with sweet scents, including British Rose Shower Gel and Body Butter, along with Strawberry Hand Cream and Lip Butter – presented beautifully in a reusable heart-shaped box. Price: £22.
The World According to Arthur from Penhaligon’s
Part of Penhaligon’s Portraits Collection, a series of character-driven fragrances inspired by distinctive personalities, this fragrance is a memorable and luxurious gift for St Dwynwen’s Day, representing confidence, individuality and a strong sense of presence, presented in an iconic bottle design that makes it a statement gift. Price: £245.
Amber his and hers gift sets from SunnamuskÂ
The Amber Rose and Wood de Amber Gift Set are two luxurious trios that effortlessly blend romance, warmth, and sophistication. Amber Rose is bursting with a refreshing pineapple heart and complemented by bright bergamot top notes, with musky cedarwood wrapped in a warm, amber hold. For him, Wood de Amber masterfully blends woody richness, soft floral serenity, and opulent oriental charm. Sets each contain a 50ml EDP, Hair & Body Oil/Beard & Body Oil, and aroma candle. Price: Was £119, now £101.15.
Velvet Rose and Oud Cologne from Jo Malone LondonÂ
Velvet Rose and Oud 100ml Cologne Intense Fragrance.Â
An intense floral fragrance perfect for valentines with an added complimentary St Dwynwen’s charm, paired with a comforting and relaxing Pomegranate Noir special edition classic candle in a special edition pink vessel. With complimentary embossing on all gift boxes and either complimentary charms or engraving initials on bottle lid on all 100ml fragrance purchases. Price: £220 (Cologne £164, Candle £56).
Dolce&Gabbana The One collection from The Perfume Shop
These two iconic scents make a perfect pair for St Dwynwen’s; warm, seductive, and made to be noticed. The romantic and captivating Intense Eau de Parfum Spray is bold and seductive, with vibrant pink pepper, jasmine, and smooth vanilla. Price: £110 (50ml). The One Pour Homme Parfum is warm, spicy, and seductive, with hints of tobacco and rich wood, to be timeless and masculine and leave a lasting impression. Price: £127 (100ml).
Cotton Rib Socks from Charles Tyrwhitt
Designed for all-day comfort, these socks are made from a cotton-rich blend and are naturally breathable. With temperature-regulating properties, they help keep feet cool – making them as practical as they are stylish. Available in French Blue or Light Blue. Price: £12.95.
