St Dwynwen's Day

When is St Dwynwen's Day celebrated?

St Dwynwen's day is celebrated in Wales on 25 January and commemorates the patron saint of friendship and love.

Who was Dwynwen?

Dwynwen lived during the 5th century and was, by all accounts, one of the prettiest of Brychan Brycheiniog's 24 daughters.

Why is Dwynwen the patron saint of love in Wales?

The story goes that Dwynwen fell in love with Maelon Dafodrill, but unfortunately her father had already arranged that she should marry someone else. Maelon was so outraged that he raped Dwynwen and left her.

In her grief Dwynwen fled to the woods, where she begged God to make her forget Maelon. After falling asleep, Dwynwen was visited by an angel, who appeared carrying a sweet potion designed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him into a block of ice.

God then gave three wishes to Dwynwen. First she wished that Maelon be thawed, second that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers and third that she should never marry. All three were fulfilled, and as a mark of her thanks, Dwynwen devoted herself to God's service for the rest of her life.

Where is Dwynwen's church?

Remains of Dwynwen's church can be seen today on the island of Llanddwyn, off the coast of Anglesey.

During the 14th century, on visiting the island, the poet Dafydd ap Gwilym witnessed a golden image of Dwynwen inside the church, and was bold enough to request her help as a messenger between himself and Morfudd, the girl he hoped to win — despite the fact that Morfudd was already married.

Also situated on the island is Dwynwen's well, where, allegedly, a sacred fish swims, whose movements predict the future fortunes and relationships of various couples. Visitors to the well believe that if the water boils while they are present, then love and good luck will surely follow.

The popularity and celebration of St Dwynwen's day has increased considerably in recent years, with special events, such as concerts and parties, often held and greetings cards printed. Although still not as popular as St Valentine's Day in February, St Dwynwen is certainly becoming better-known among today's population of Wales.

Love Tokens Through Time

Throughout history and still today, love tokens are given as symbols of devotion and commitment to loved ones.

LOVESPOONS

Traditionally crafted by male suitors, lovespoons were presented to admired maidens. Using simple tools, they expressed their passions and emotions through the symbols they carved.

STAYBUSKS

Decorated with motifs and initials, a busk was inserted into a woman’s stays, keeping her torso upright and sitting close to her heart. Pictured is a Staybusk from Llanwrtyd, inscribed with the initials RM and IM.

JESSIE KNIGHT TATTOOS

Between the 1920s and 1960s, Jessie Knight tattooed these designs onto sailors and servicemen. Symbolising their devotion, these permanent love tokens served as a way for sailors to keep their loved ones close at sea.

KNITTING SHEATH

It was a Welsh custom to carve knitting sheaths with names and motifs and give them as love tokens. Worn on the right side of the body, they held the needle steady, freeing the left hand to work the yarn.

LOVE COINS

Made by sailors or convicts in the 18th-19th century, these coins were engraved with symbols of love, separation, and return. Offered as parting gifts for long or indefinite separations.