Today is St. David’s Day, and I am home. Home being the small Welsh village of Rhos. As someone who lives overseas and experiences the occasional bouts of ‘hiraeth’ I see very little recognition here, that marks this important day on a scale that can be appreciated across the world. It isn’t even a’ national’ holiday! In contrast’ who doesn’t know that’ March 17, is St. Patrick’s Day?
My earliest memory of our patron saint’s day is attending my’ village school with a’ leek pinned to my sweater ( which I later used as a sparring weapon at playtime) and taking part in the annual St David’s Day concert in the school hall.” We even got’ go home after the concert, imagine a whole half day off!
While in Wales I just might celebrate by dining on faggots and peas, laverbread and welsh cakes all traditional welsh fare- although curry and chips really does seem to be a more poplar local choice.’ Of course as a’ fanatical welsh rugby fan I have already visited the boys in the pub and watched a game!
So it just remains for me to wish you all ‘Dydd Gwyl Dewi Dewydd’! Happy St David’s Day