Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus! (Happy Saint Dwynwen Day!)
Today, people across Wales are celebrating the legend of Saint Dwynwen and her commitment to love.
Set in 5th century Wales, many variations of this tale describe Dwynwen as the most beautiful of King Brychan Brycheiniog’s many daughters. The King had already promised her hand in marriage to another when Dwynwen and a young man named Maelon Dafodrill fell in love.
Unable to be with her true love, Dwynwen fled to the woods. Answering her prayers to be free from the love she felt, an angel appeared in her dreams and offered a potion that turned Maelon to ice.
God then offered Dwynwen three wishes.
She wished for Maelon be freed and for God to help all true lovers. Her final wish was to never marry. In her gratitude, she moved to a small island off the coast of Anglesey. There she established a church and visitors can still see the ruins today.
Legends tell of a well on the island with a sacred fish that can predict the fortune of a couple.
Today, Saint Dwynwen’s Day is celebrated in Wales in a similar way to Saint Valentine’s, with cards, gifts and music shared as a symbol of love.