Celebrate Welsh Valentine's Day, Dydd Santes Dwynwen

Welsh Valentine's Day, also known as Dydd Santes Dwynwen, is a traditional holiday that is celebrated in Wales on 25 January. It is a day to celebrate love and romance, similar to Valentine's Day in other parts of the world. However, Dydd Santes Dwynwen has a unique history and significance in Welsh culture.

St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, which makes her the Welsh equivalent of St Valentine.

According to legend, Dwynwen was a Welsh princess who lived in the fifth century. She was in love with a prince named Maelon Dafodrill, but her father did not approve of the match and was determined that she would marry another man. Dwynwen was so heartbroken that she prayed to God to be able to forget Maelon and mend her broken heart. She devoted her life to help others find happiness in love. God granted her wish, and Dwynwen became a nun and devoted her life to helping others find love. She founded a convent on the island of Llanddwyn, off the coast of Anglesey.

The remains of the church can still be seen today and legend has it that a well on the island which contains sacred fish can predict the outcome of a relationship, and even how faithful your partner will be.

Today, Welsh Valentine's Day is a time for people in Wales to celebrate love and romance. Many people exchange cards and gifts with their loved ones, and some may also visit the shrine of Saint Dwynwen in Llanddwyn, a small island off the coast of Anglesey, to pray for love and happiness.

The popularity and celebration of St Dwynwen's Day has increased considerably in recent years with special events, such as concerts and parties, and greetings cards printed.

In 2003, The Welsh Language Board had bi-lingual English-Welsh cards printed which were distributed free by Tesco stores throughout Wales.

So learn how to say I love you in Welsh 'dwi'n dy garu di' and surprise a loved one with an additional Valentine’s Day! This phrase is pronounced ‘doo een duh GAHR-ee dee.’

Welsh is a Celtic language that is spoken in Wales, a country in the United Kingdom. It is a rich and expressive language with its own unique grammar and vocabulary.

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