St Dwynwen’s Day 2023: Who was Dydd Santes Dwynwen and how is it celebrated in Wales?

On January 25, Welsh people celebrate St. Dwynwen’s Day honouring the Welsh patron saint of love. Valentine's Day is still three weeks away, which is also the widely known day for love. But, ahead of February 14, Welsh people will honour their loved ones while also remembering the legend of Dydd Santes Dwynwen which is especially popular in Wales but anyone can celebrate.

Who was St Dwynwen?

St Dwynwen or Santes Dwynwen in Welsh is Wales’ patron saint of lovers. She was a princess and daughter of King Brychan Brycheiniog who is said to be alive during the 4th century. The legend states that Dwynwen fell in love with a man called Maelon Dafodrill. But her father arranged her marriage to a prince.

Distraught with her father’s decision, Dwynwen ran away to the woods where she was visited by an angel who gave her a potion to forget Maelon but it turned him into ice. According to the legend, God then granted Dwynwen three wishes. One was that Maelon will be thawed, the next was that God will help all true lovers and the last one was that she would never marry.


Dwynwen then became a nun and established a convent on Llanddwyn Island in northwest Wales. It is believed that she is buried at the same location.

How do people in Wales celebrate the day?

St Dwynwen’s Day is similar to Valentine’s Day as both days are dedicated to honouring your love. To celebrate the day, romantic partners can swap cards, and gifts such as traditional Welsh lovespoons. These are decorative, carved, wooden spoons which in history, are given to women by suitors to express their intent for love.

FAQs:

1. When is St Dwynwen’s Day?
   January 25
2. Who was Dydd Santes Dwynwen?
   St Dwynwen or Santes Dwynwen in Welsh is Wales’ patron saint of lovers.