The 25th of January is Dydd Santes Dwynwen.
On this day, we celebrate the Welsh patron saint of lovers, St Dwynwen. Her story is essentially a sad one, but legend has it that she ultimately dedicated her life helping others and also became the patron saint of sick animals in Wales (which, I think, is a lovely fact).
This lovely illustration is by Jonathan Edwards and can be found on the Visit Wales website
To read more about her legend, click here to go to the Visit Wales webpage on Santes Dwynwen.
As well as a day representing romantic love, Dydd Santes Dwynwen is said to be a time when we can also be thankful for our families and friends and consider all the ways that we can support, help and care for others (humans and animals!). With this in mind, we have compiled some Welsh Santes Dwynwen words in the video below.
Finally, Dydd Santes Dwynwen is a perfect day to practice the Welsh tradition of exchanging Lovespoons, click here to go to the Museum of Wales' website to learn all about them, including the symbolism used to convey messages on the spoons. These days they can represent all kinds of love and affection, not just romantic love, take a look at these beautifully crafted modern day love spoons by Ceini Spiller for inspiration for you and your little one to design your own Lovespoon (llwy garu) by including the things that are special to your child.
If you're after a book that goes with this season of love, check out 'Geiriau Cyntaf Cariad' ('First Words [about] Love').
Happy St Dwynwen's Day! Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus!
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