Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen vs Valentine’s Day: The Welsh Celebration of Love

Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen stands out as a cherished love celebration among Welsh speakers who honor St Dwynwen's Day in Wales. What distinguishes Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen from the worldwide known Valentine’s Day celebration? Whether you’re learning Welsh or simply curious about the differences, this article will help you understand the unique traditions behind each celebration while expanding your Welsh vocabulary for Valentine’s Day.

What is Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen?

People celebrate Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen on January 25th. The celebration honours Santes Dwynwen who served as the Welsh patron saint of lovers during the 5th century.

The Legend of Dwynwen and Maelon

The Welsh legend describes Dwynwen as the beautiful daughter of King Brychan Brycheiniog. Dwynwen developed a deep love for Maelon Dafodrill despite her father's prior marriage arrangements for her with another man. Dwynwen turned to prayer for help to forget Maelon whom she loved. An angel appeared to Dwynwen with a potion that would erase her love but freeze Maelon into a block of ice.

Overwhelmed by the events that unfolded Dwynwen sought divine intervention once more and requested three wishes. Dwynwen desired that Maelon be released by melting the ice. Dwynwen's second wish was for all true lovers to achieve happiness. Her final wish was that she herself would never marry. In gratitude, she devoted her life to God, becoming a nun and founding a convent on Llanddwyn Island in Anglesey, which remains a place of pilgrimage to this day.

In Wales this romantic day involves exchanging cards and gifts similar to Valentine’s Day practices yet stands as a unique cultural tradition connected to Welsh history and language.

How is Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen Different from Valentine’s Day?

During Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen one of Wales' most beautiful customs involves giving love spoons (llwyau caru) to loved ones. Since the 17th century, Welsh people have exchanged intricately carved wooden spoons as representations of love and commitment.

 

Learn Welsh: Romantic Phrases & Valentine’s Day Vocabulary

If you’re learning Welsh and want to impress your loved one on Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen or Valentine’s Day, here are some key words and phrases:

Valentine’s Day Words in Welsh:

• Cariad - Love/sweetheart
• Fy nghariad - My love
• Dwi’n dy garu di - I love you
• Cusan - Kiss
• Cwtsh - Cuddle/hug
• Calon - Heart
• Blodau - Flowers
• Siocled - Chocolate
• Anrheg - Gift
• Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus! - Happy St Dwynwen’s Day!
• Dydd San Ffolant Hapus! - Happy Valentine’s Day!

Why Learn Welsh for Valentine’s Day?

Welsh language practice during special events such as Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen provides an excellent opportunity to honour Welsh cultural heritage and improve your language abilities. Simple Welsh expressions such as “Dwi’n dy garu di” have the power to make your loved one's day even more special.

If you want to practice more Welsh words and phrases, follow Welsh Words for daily Welsh vocabulary lessons!

Final Thoughts: Should You Celebrate Both?

Absolutely! People in Wales honor both Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen as their own Welsh love celebration and Valentine’s Day during February. People should celebrate their love whether they choose traditional Welsh love spoons or classic boxes of chocolates.

So, Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus! And if you’re looking for more ways to learn Welsh words for Valentine’s Day, keep following our lessons here at Welsh Words!

 

Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen & Valentine’s Day Quiz

1. When is Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen celebrated?

a) February 14
b) January 1
c) January 25
d) March 1

2. What did the angel give to Dwynwen to help her forget Maelon?
a) A love potion
b) A potion that froze Maelon into ice
c) A golden love spoon
d) A magical ring

3. What traditional Welsh gift is exchanged on Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen?
a) Love spoons (llwyau caru)
b) Red roses
c) Engagement rings
d) Chocolate hearts

4. What is the Welsh phrase for “I love you”?
a) Dydd San Ffolant Hapus!
b) Cariad
c) Dwi’n dy garu di
d) Fy nghariad

5. Where did Dwynwen establish a convent?
a) Snowdonia
b) Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey
c) Cardiff Castle
d) Pembrokeshire Coast

 

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