Santes Dwynwen  

St Dwynwen’s Day is considered to be the most romantic day of the year by the Welsh. As with St Valentine’s Day, it is celebrated in various ways by different people. Gifts and cards are exchanged, romantic gestures are made, romantic trips are taken and people will spend time with those they love.

Many people believe St Dwynwen’s Day is the Welsh St Valentine’s Day. Like St Valentine’s Day, St Dwynwen’s Day is celebrated annually, albeit on a different date. The Welsh Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 25th of January meaning that despite all the comparisons between the two days, St Dwynwen has nothing to do with St Valentine who is, of course, celebrated on the 14th of February.

Dwynwen was a princess of Brycheiniog, one of the early kingdoms of Wales. She lived during the Fifth Century and was one of the many children of Brychan Brycheiniog.

Her story is a romantic tragedy, and as with the majority of Welsh history has been passed down through the oral tradition through songs and stories. This has resulted in a story which is strong in Celtic folklore. Dwynwen’s story has inspired poetry by Dafydd Trefor and Dafydd ap Gwilym, her story was first written down in its entirety by Iolo Morganwg.

Fun Fact: Iolo Morgannwg has a reputation as a bit of a fraud, as a result, many of his stories are taken with a pinch of salt. He also has his defenders as his stories have been picked up from the oral tradition

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