The patron saint of love is Dwynwen. She holds a special place in the hearts of the Welsh people, as she is considered the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Her feast day, known as Dydd Santes Dwynwen, is celebrated on January 25th each year. This day provides an opportunity for people in Wales, or those with Welsh heritage, to express their affection and say “Dwy’n dy garu di” which means “I love you” in Welsh.
Dwynwen was the daughter of Brychan Brycheiniog, a 5th-century saint in Wales. She is said to have lived during the 5th century as well, and her story has been passed down through generations. Dwynwen’s tale is a tragic one, filled with heartbreak and eventual redemption.
According to the legend, Dwynwen fell in love with a young man named Maelon. However, her father had already arranged for her to marry someone else. Devastated and heartbroken, Dwynwen prayed to God for help. In her despair, she received a vision in which an angel appeared and gave her a potion to drink, which would erase her feelings for Maelon.
But instead of erasing her feelings, the potion turned Maelon into ice. Distraught, Dwynwen once again sought solace in prayer. This time, she received another vision in which she was told to never marry and to devote herself to God. Dwynwen dedicated her life to God and established a convent on the island of Llanddwyn, off the coast of Anglesey.
She became known for her wisdom and compassion, and people would make pilgrimages to seek her advice on matters of love and relationships. Dwynwen became known as the patron saint of lovers, and her island, Llanddwyn, became a place of pilgrimage for those seeking her blessings.
To this day, people in Wales celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen as a day to honor love and relationships. It is customary to exchange cards and gifts, similar to Valentine’s Day in other parts of the world. Many couples also visit Llanddwyn Island to seek the blessings of Dwynwen for their relationships.
As a Welsh person myself, I have grown up hearing the story of Dwynwen and celebrating Dydd Santes Dwynwen. It is a special day for me and many others to express our love and appreciation for our partners and loved ones. The story of Dwynwen reminds us of the power of love, the importance of faith, and the ability to find solace and healing even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Dwynwen is the patron saint of love in Welsh tradition. Her story of heartbreak and devotion resonates with many, and her feast day on January 25th is a special time to celebrate love and express affection. Whether Welsh or not, we can all learn from Dwynwen’s story and the enduring power of love.