March 1st is, of course, St. David’s Day and a whole range of events are taking place across Wales in schools, towns and cities to celebrate. To find out about literary events taking place near you with a St. David’s Day theme check out the News and Events section. Or if you’re looking for a little gift or treat with a Welsh theme, The Welsh Gift Shop has a wonderful array from the cute to the crafty.
Interestingly, in spite of all the celebrations which take place each year, relatively few facts are actually known about Wales’ Patron Saint. Believed to have been born in Ceredigion in the sixth century, St. David embarked on a pilgrimage which took him to South Wales, England and even as far as Jerusalem where he was eventually made archbishop. Upon his return St. David settled in south-west Wales where he founded a religious community and was credited with working numerous miracles in his lifetime. The National Museum of Wales website offers a full account of what is known about his remarkable story.
So what are you doing to celebrate St. David’s Day? And what does it mean to be Welsh in 2013? Abbie Wightwick asked ten people about their ideas of Welsh identity in an article for Wales Online today and found some fascinating stories in the process. Certainly, Welsh identity has always been the subject of much debate, countless books have been written on the subject and no doubt there will be many more in the future.
For myself, today calls to mind the thoughts offered by Brian Harris in his 1967 poem ‘In Passing’:
‘To be born in Wales,
Not with a silver spoon in your mouth,
But, with music in your blood
And with poetry in your soul,
Is a privilege indeed.’
Poignant words and a wonderful reminder of the ‘land of legend/of love and contrast’ in which we live.
Is there a particular poem or piece of literature which you feel really captures the spirit of Wales in the twenty-first century? Feel free to get in touch with comments or suggestions and in the mean time, have a lovely St. David’s Day. Dydd Gwyl Dewi!
Interestingly, in spite of all the celebrations which take place each year, relatively few facts are actually known about Wales’ Patron Saint. Believed to have been born in Ceredigion in the sixth century, St. David embarked on a pilgrimage which took him to South Wales, England and even as far as Jerusalem where he was eventually made archbishop. Upon his return St. David settled in south-west Wales where he founded a religious community and was credited with working numerous miracles in his lifetime. The National Museum of Wales website offers a full account of what is known about his remarkable story.
So what are you doing to celebrate St. David’s Day? And what does it mean to be Welsh in 2013? Abbie Wightwick asked ten people about their ideas of Welsh identity in an article for Wales Online today and found some fascinating stories in the process. Certainly, Welsh identity has always been the subject of much debate, countless books have been written on the subject and no doubt there will be many more in the future.
For myself, today calls to mind the thoughts offered by Brian Harris in his 1967 poem ‘In Passing’:
‘To be born in Wales,
Not with a silver spoon in your mouth,
But, with music in your blood
And with poetry in your soul,
Is a privilege indeed.’
Poignant words and a wonderful reminder of the ‘land of legend/of love and contrast’ in which we live.
Is there a particular poem or piece of literature which you feel really captures the spirit of Wales in the twenty-first century? Feel free to get in touch with comments or suggestions and in the mean time, have a lovely St. David’s Day. Dydd Gwyl Dewi!