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Saint Dwynwen’s Day, celebrated annually on 25th January, is one of Wales’s most cherished holidays. It’s a day dedicated to love, romance, and the Welsh patron saint of lovers, St.Dwynwen. While not widely known outside of Wales, Saint Dwynwen’s Day has deep cultural roots and is an important occasion for Welsh couples and those who admire Welsh traditions. In this blog, we’ll explore the origins of Saint Dwynwen’s Day, delve into the fascinating Welsh wedding and courting traditions, and see how modern wedding celebrants are drawing inspiration from these age-old practices to create unique and meaningful ceremonies today.
The Legend of St. Dwynwen
To fully appreciate the significance of Saint Dwynwen’s Day, it’s important to understand the story behind St. Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers. Dwynwen, a Welsh princess, is said to have fallen deeply in love with a man named Maelon. However, her father, King Brychan, forbade the marriage, leaving Dwynwen heartbroken.
In her grief, she sought solace through prayer and received a vision from God. In this vision, Dwynwen was granted the power to help other lovers and the gift of a magical potion that could ensure true love. Though the potion allowed Dwynwen to help others find love, she herself chose a life of celibacy and dedicated herself to supporting other couples.
Eventually she retreated to Lnys Llanddwyn a small tidal island off the west coast of Ynys Môn, where Dwynwen is believed to have spent her life and is buried. Since the Middle Ages, it has been a place of pilgrimage and is steeped in legend, with Llanddwyn literally translating as “Dwynwen’s Church”.
Her story, filled with both sorrow and hope, has made her a beloved figure in Welsh culture. Today, Saint Dwynwen’s Day is a time for lovers to reflect on the power of love, express their affection, and seek St. Dwynwen’s blessing for their relationships. Saint Dwynwen’s Day is filled with romantic gestures, making it the perfect occasion for couples to celebrate their love.
Welsh Courting and Wedding Traditions
Saint Dwynwen’s Day is deeply connected to the wedding and courting traditions of Wales. These traditions have been passed down through generations and remain an important part of Welsh weddings today. From the exchange of love spoons to the use of myrtle, these customs are filled with meaning and symbolism that continue to inspire modern couples. Whilst celebrating St. Dwynwen Let’s explore some of the most iconic Welsh wedding and courting traditions that are often celebrated on Saint Dwynwen’s Day.
Love Spoons: A Token of Affection
One of the most recognisable Welsh traditions is the gift of a love spoon. Dating back to the 17th century, love spoons were carved by suitors and given to their beloved as a token of affection and commitment. These spoons were often decorated with intricate designs, including hearts, keys, locks, and chains, each symbolizing different aspects of love, loyalty, and unity.
The act of carving a love spoon was a gesture that demonstrated a suitor’s dedication, as it required considerable time and skill. The spoon would often be passed down through generations as a cherished family heirloom. Even today, the love spoon is a popular wedding present and a symbol of enduring love. Many couples incorporate love spoons into their Saint Dwynwen’s Day celebrations or choose to exchange them during their wedding ceremony, continuing the tradition of love and commitment.
Bouquet in field image
Myrtle – Symbolizing Eternal Love
Another beautiful Welsh tradition is the use of myrtle, a plant that symbolizes love, fidelity, and fertility. , and its presence is believed to bring good fortune and lasting love to couples. The tradition of incorporating myrtle into weddings dates back to the 19th century, with the plant being used in bridal bouquets, garlands, and crowns.
The inclusion of myrtle in a wedding ceremony is not only a tribute to Welsh heritage but also a meaningful symbol of the bride’s commitment to her partner. In fact, the most famous modern use of myrtle in a wedding occurred when Kate Middleton (Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) included a sprig of myrtle in her wedding bouquet when she married Prince William in 2011. This practice, which has its roots in Welsh wedding traditions, continues to be popular today, with many Welsh brides choosing to incorporate myrtle into their wedding attire as a symbol of love and fidelity.
Handfasting: Tying the Knot
Handfasting is an ancient Welsh ritual that involves the symbolic act of tying the couple’s hands together using ribbons or cords, signifying their union. The term “handfasting” originates from old Celtic practices and was once used as a form of marriage contract. Over time, it became a symbol of commitment and unity.
In modern Welsh weddings, handfasting is often included in the ceremony as a beautiful and meaningful way to express the couple’s commitment to each other. The couple’s hands are bound together with ribbons, each representing a different aspect of their relationship, such as love, loyalty, and trust. Handfasting offers couples a unique way to incorporate their heritage into their wedding and is a popular choice for those who want to honour traditional Welsh practices while personalising their ceremony.
Photo credit: Mike Wells Photography
Welsh Wedding Songs and Customs
Music plays an important role in Welsh weddings, with traditional Welsh love songs and hymns adding a touch of romance and beauty to the ceremony. Welsh choirs are often an integral part of wedding celebrations, filling the space with their moving and melodic voices. The sounds of a harp, which has long been a symbol of Wales, are also commonly heard at Welsh weddings. The music sets a romantic tone, and the heartfelt lyrics of Welsh love songs resonate deeply with couples and their guests.
In addition to music, other customs such as the exchange of wedding bells and the serving of traditional Welsh foods, like Welsh cakes or Bara Brith (a fruit-filled bread), help to bring a distinct Welsh flavour to the wedding reception. These customs, while simple, are an important part of Welsh culture and tradition, making the wedding celebration feel deeply personal and meaningful.
Saint Dwynwen’s Day and Modern Welsh Weddings
In contemporary Welsh weddings, Saint Dwynwen’s Day offers couples the perfect opportunity to honor these traditional customs. Many wedding celebrants incorporate elements of Welsh heritage into their ceremonies, drawing inspiration from the rich history of Welsh love, commitment, and marriage.
Incorporating Saint Dwynwen’s Day into Your Wedding Ceremony
Couples who wish to celebrate Saint Dwynwen’s Day through their wedding ceremony may choose to include symbolic elements such as love spoons, myrtle, or handfasting. Wedding celebrants often suggest these traditions as a way to create a deeply personal and meaningful ceremony. For example, a couple might exchange love spoons during their vows or include myrtle in the bride’s bouquet to honour Welsh customs.
In addition to these traditional elements, couples may also opt to include readings from the life of St. Dwynwen, sharing her story with guests and invoking her blessing for a life filled with love and happiness. This is a beautiful way to honour the saint who gave her life to helping others find true love.
Becoming engaged on Saint Dwynwen’s Day
Similar to Valentine’s Day, Saint Dwynwen’s Day is increasingly becoming a popular day for engagements. While Valentine’s Day is known worldwide as the go-to day for proposals, Saint Dwynwen’s Day offers a unique alternative, especially for those with Welsh heritage or those who want to add cultural meaning to their proposal and appreciate the historical and symbolic weight of the occasion. This special day provides a personal and meaningful way to celebrate love, much like the global tradition of Valentine’s Day, (click here for link to blog all about history of Valentines Day) but with a deeper connection to Welsh history and folklore.
Renewing Vows on Saint Dwynwen’s Day
For couples who have been married for years, Saint Dwynwen’s Day offers a special opportunity to renew their vows. Many couples choose to renew their vows on this day, using it as a chance to reaffirm their love and commitment to one another. Vow renewals on Saint Dwynwen’s Day are often deeply emotional, as couples reflect on their journey together and celebrate the enduring power of love.
Conclusion
Saint Dwynwen’s Day is a celebration of love that holds a special place in Welsh culture and tradition. From the giving of love spoons to the use of myrtle, these customs continue to play an important role in modern Welsh weddings. As wedding celebrants, we draw inspiration from these age-old practices, creating personalised, meaningful ceremonies that honour heritage while celebrating the unique love story of each couple.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, renewing your vows, or simply celebrating your love, Saint Dwynwen’s Day is the perfect occasion to embrace the timeless romance of Welsh traditions. So, this 25th January take a moment to reflect on the enduring power of love and perhaps incorporate some of these beautiful Welsh customs into your wedding or celebration. Or if you are dating don’t be surprised if and your partner turns up with a bunch of flowers on 25th January.
Click here for more information on what I can do for you to make your ceremony reflect your heritage.
