Saint David´s Day

People in Wales (United Kingdom) and those Welsh origin celebrate the life of their patron saint, Saint David, and the Welsh culture on March 1st each year.

    Who was Saint David? (500- 589) He was a Welsh bishop of Menevia during the 6th century. He was  later regarded as a saint. David was a native of Wales, and  a relatively large amount of information is known about his life. However, his birth date is uncertain. He is tradicionally believed to be the son of Saint Non and the grandson of Ceredig ap Cunedda, king of Ceredigion.
    His best known miracle is said to have taken place when he was preaching in the middle of a large crowd at the Synod of Brefi: the village of Brefi stands on the spot where the ground on which he stood is reputed to have risen up to form a small hill. A white dove (paloma), which become his emblem, was seen setting on his shoulder.
    The Monastic Rule of David prescribed that monks had to pull the plough(arado) themselves without draught animals, must drink only water and eat only bread with salt and herbs, and spend the evening in prayer, reading and writing. No personal possessions were allowed. even to say " my book" was considered  an offence.
    He lived a simple life practising ascetism, teaching his followers to refrain from eating meat and drinking beer. His simbols, also the symbols of Wales are the leek (puerro) and the daffodil (narciso).

The leek and the daffodild