St David’s Day 2018 is TODAY! Who was the patron saint of Wales and how do you say ‘Happy St David’s Day’ in Welsh?

THE national day of Wales is a time when Welsh people celebrate pride in their country.

Once a year on St David's Day, bright green leeks and yellow daffodils are turned into accessories across the nation – all in honour of the Welsh patron saint. Here's what you need to know...

When is St David's Day 2018?

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant, otherwise known as St David’s Day, is celebrated on March 1 every year - which is TODAY.

But unlike St Patrick's Day in Ireland and St Andrew's Day in Scotland, St David's Day is not a bank holiday.

This is despite repeated calls by some people in Wales for it to be made a public holiday.

Who was the patron saint of Wales?

St David, also known as Dewi Sant in Welsh, is the patron saint of Wales and doves.

He was born in Caerai in Pembrokeshire, Wales, to Sant, a prince of Cardigan, and St Non, the daughter of chieftain in around 500 AD.

Legend has it that he went on a pilgrimage, which led all the way to Jerusalem, where he was made an Archbishop.

He is also believed to have helped to spread the word of Christianity, and he founded around 12 monastaries in his lifetime.

However, very little else is known about his life other than the fact he is credited with performing several miracles.

The most famous is believed to have been when he was preaching to a large crowd at the Synod of Brefi and he raised the ground beneath the hill so all those there could hear his sermon.

It is also believed he lived after eating poisoned bread and even restored the sight of his tutor, St Paulinus.

St David is thought to have died on March 1, 589AD with his remains buried at St David's Cathedral in Pembrokeshire.

He was officially recognised as a saint by Pope Callixtus in 1120.

How is St David's Day celebrated?

There are numerous country festivals and dances – all with a dragon-theme – which take place across Wales on St David's Day.

These often include wearing traditional Welsh dress – the boys donning a white shirt, black trousers and waistcoat and the girls clad in a petticoat and overcoat, bonnet and tall hat - and
singing national songs.

The biggest celebration is The National St David’s Day Parade, which is held in Cardiff and finishes at St David’s Hall.

Many people also attend church services or recitals where people read Welsh literature.

The traditional meal on St David's Day is a soup made of leek and other vegetables known as cawl.

How do you say 'Happy St David's Day' in Welsh?

If you've got a Welsh pal, you might want to make their day by wishing them a happy St David's Day in Welsh.

To do so, simply tell them: "Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!"

Those unfamiliar with the Welsh language could be forgiven for struggling with the pronunciation.

So, for the uninitiated, the phrase is pronounced: "Deethe goil Dewi hapeece".

What symbols are associated with St David's Day?

Although many associate St David with leeks or daffodils, his symbol is actually the Dove, which usually rests on his shoulder.

But during a battle against the Saxons, St David apparently advised soldiers to wear leeks on their hats to avoid friendly fire, so they now represent national pride.

Daffodils, which are in bloom around this time of year, became the national symbol for Wales in the 19th Century through a mixture of trends and linguistic confusion.