Top 8 St David’s Day Facts for Kids
Every year on the 1st March, Wales comes alive to celebrate St David’s Day, and it is one of those brilliant occasions where you can teach the kids a little bit about Welsh history while having fun at the same time. Here are eight easy-to-share facts about St David that little ones will actually find interesting.
Who Was St David?
St David was a Welsh bishop who lived during the 6th century and is now the Patron Saint of Wales. We do not know loads about him as he lived such a long time ago, but it is thought that his dad was Sant (son of Ceredig) and his grandfather was Ceredig ap Cunedda, the King of Ceredigion. He spent his life as a Celtic monk, abbot, and bishop of Mynyw, which is now known as the city of St David’s, spreading Christianity across Wales.
St David Has His Own Flag
As well as the famous red dragon, Wales has a second flag connected to St David. It features a yellow cross on a black background and you will often spot it flying alongside the national flag on St David’s Day.
Every year on the 1st March, Wales comes alive to celebrate St David’s Day, and it is one of those brilliant occasions where you can teach the kids a little bit about Welsh history while having fun at the same time. Here are eight easy-to-share facts about St David that little ones will actually find interesting.
Who Was St David?
St David was a Welsh bishop who lived during the 6th century and is now the Patron Saint of Wales. We do not know loads about him as he lived such a long time ago, but it is thought that his dad was Sant (son of Ceredig) and his grandfather was Ceredig ap Cunedda, the King of Ceredigion. He spent his life as a Celtic monk, abbot, and bishop of Mynyw, which is now known as the city of St David’s, spreading Christianity across Wales.
St David Has His Own Flag
As well as the famous red dragon, Wales has a second flag connected to St David. It features a yellow cross on a black background and you will often spot it flying alongside the national flag on St David’s Day.
St David and the Leek
Ever wondered why the leek is a national emblem of Wales? Legend has it that St David told his Welsh soldiers to wear a leek on their helmets during a battle against the Saxons, so they could tell each other apart on the battlefield, which happened to be in a leek field. A clever idea that stuck around for centuries.
The White Dove
The emblem of St David is the white dove. During a famous miracle, it is said that whilst St David was preaching to a large crowd at the Synod of Brefi in Llanddewi Brefi, the ground rose up beneath him to form a small hill so everyone could see and hear him. A white dove settled on his shoulder at that very moment, and it has been his symbol ever since. It was also at this point that he was declared an archbishop.
Why the 1st March?
Nobody is completely certain, but it is widely believed that St David died on the 1st March, and that date has been marked as St David’s Day ever since.
Where is St David Buried?
St David was buried at St David’s Cathedral in St David’s, Pembrokeshire, which remains one of the most visited landmarks in Wales to this day.
How Do We Celebrate St David’s Day?
There are lots of lovely ways to mark the occasion as a family. Many people pin a daffodil or leek to their clothes, children often wear traditional Welsh costume or something red like a Welsh rugby shirt, and towns and cities across Wales hold St David’s Day parades where everyone can join in and march through the streets together. And of course, no St David’s Day is complete without baking something Welsh in the kitchen. If you fancy getting the kids involved, our Welsh Cake Recipe is a great place to start and little ones absolutely love making them.
Getting Out and About This St David’s Day
If you are looking for something fun to do with the family to mark the occasion, there are some lovely events taking place across West Wales. Head over to our What’s On in West Wales guide for a full rundown of family-friendly St David’s Day events happening near you, updated regularly so you never miss a thing.
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus, Happy St David’s Day!