Fall in love this January on St Dwynwen’s Day

Santes Dwynwen or St Dwynwen’s Day is essentially Welsh Valentine’s Day and falls each year on 25^th January. Each year, people in Wales gift each other carved loved spoons and cards. Each spoon’s design signifies a different message of love and affection, but where did this tradition come from?

Historians argue over the origins of the holiday, but it is generally accepted that it comes from the story of Dwynwen, the prettiest of King Brychan Brycheiniog’s daughters. The story says that she fell in love with Maelon Dafrorill, but wasn’t allowed to marry him, so she prayed to fall out of love with him. God answered her prayers and turned Maelon into ice, granting Dwynwen three wishes. Firstly, she thawed him out, second she wished all of the lovers out there happiness and finally, wished that she would never marry because she wanted to devote her life to god. She went on to found a church, the remains of which can be found on Llanddwyn, an island off Anglesey. Legend has it that if a couple visits the ruins and the water in the well boils, they are true soulmates. Apparently, there is also a fish that lives in the well and will bless your union if you ask it.

Today and for as long as anyone can remember, 25^th January has been St Dwynwen’s Day and is the perfect time to celebrate your loved one. Traditionally couples will present a carved love spoon to each other. The oldest known lovespoon from Wales is displayed in St Fagans National History museum and dates back to 1667, although the tradition is believed to date back long before that.

Find more heritage attractions in Wales here.