St Dwynwen’s Day – Celebrating the Welsh patron saint of Love!

Famously known as the Welsh equivalent to Valentine’s Day, it’s a celebration of love and affection taking place on the 25th January.

Traditionally, a woman would receive a love spoon from her partner or admirer. Carved by hand, the admirer demonstrated their ability to create and provide for a future family.

This tradition of carving is outdated now, although love spoons can still be given as a romantic gesture and are available to purchase in shops.

The story of St Dwynwen

St Dwynwen was unlucky in love. Known to be the most beautiful of the 25 children of the Welsh King, she fell in love with a prince called Maelon. However her father (who had arranged a marriage to another man) grew unhappy with the relationship.

Heartbroken, Dwynwen ran into a nearby forest. After many tears, a spirit appeared and offered her a potion to cure her love for Maelon, but when she drank this, Maelon was turned to ice.

Shortly after this, another spirit appeared offering Dwynwen 3 wishes. She chose:

• For Maelon to be thawed
• That God would help all true lovers
• That she would never be married

All 3 wishes came true. To thank God for her wishes, Dwynwen became a nun, establishing a convent on an island known as Ynys Llanddwynn, meaning ‘Island of the Church of Dwynwen’.

Will you be celebrating St Dwynwen’s Day this year? Whether it’s a partner, or friends and family, it’s a day to show love to those you care for.