St. David's Day, on March 1, is the feast day of the patron saint of Wales. St. David was born towards the end of the fifth century. He was a scion of the royal house of Ceredigion, and founded a Celtic monastic community at Glyn Rhosin (The Vale of Roses) on the western headland of Sir Benfro, at the spot where St David's Cathedral stands today. David's fame as a teacher and ascetic spread throughout the Celtic world. His foundation at Glyn Rhosin became an important Christian shrine, and the most important centre in Wales. The date of Dewi Sant's death is recorded as 1 March, but the year is uncertain – possibly 588. As his tearful monks prepared for his death St David uttered these words: 'Brothers be ye constant. The yoke which with single mind ye have taken, bear ye to the end; and whatsoever ye have seen with me and heard, keep and fulfil'. (from Wikipedia)

As yet, we are not able to have St. David's day as a bank holiday, but although we cannot celebrate our day as St. Patrick's day is celebrated, we can still mark it in our own way. Children may have to go to school, but all lessons are suspended for the day. Instead, schools hold their annual eisteddfod. This is a festical of music, singing, dancing and recitation, much like the national esiteddfod. Primary school children spend the day in costume. The girls wear the traditional costume of skirt, short apron, shawl and the distinctive black stovepipe hat with lace trimming. In south Wales the boys wear rugby shirts or dress up as miners, while in north Wales they dress as farmers. Banks often serve Welsh cakes and small glasses of wine to their customers, while shop assistants also dress in the Welsh national costume. Everyone wears a daffodil or a badge in the shape of a leek. And shop windows will be filled with displays of golden daffodils.