Issue 153

St. David the Puritan

26th February 2007

St. David, or Dewi Sant, as he is known in Welsh, lived in the 6th century. Not a tremendous amount is known about his life, as the main evidence can be found in a biography written by Rhygyfarch, some five hundred years later.

It is disputed as to when he was born, although it is generally believed that he died in the year 589. It is said he lived for over one hundred years, although this cannot be proved.

What is known is that he brought Christianity to many parts of then-pagan Wales, founded churches and travelled to Cornwall, the South West and possibly Ireland. He is also reported to have gone on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he was anointed as Bishop. He later went on to become Archbishop of Wales.

The stories about his life are still told in Welsh schools and homes today, particularly at this time of year. Legend has it that he brought a youth back to life from death, and that milestones in his life were accompanied by springs of water appearing; a useful occurrence, as Dewi was said to have been a type of early puritan, drinking solely water and eating only bread and herbs.

He also was said to stand up to his neck in cold water whilst reciting from the scriptures as a selfimposed penance. His eating habits gained him an association with Christian vegetarianism and his popular Welsh nickname, 'Dewi Ddyfrwr'- 'David the water drinker'.

The most famous tale of Dewi's life is that of the synod, where the people complained that he would not be seen or heard by them when he stood up to speak: at which the ground beneath his feet reportedly rose up to form a hillock so all could see him. A dove was seen settling on his shoulder. This story is where the dove in many images of St. David comes from.

Dewi founded a monastery in Pembrokeshire, at Glyn Rhosyn, now the tiny city of Saint David's. His monastic rule was very strict. In order to eat, the monks cultivated land, which they had to plough themselves without using an animal to pull the plough. They kept bees, and did other necessary crafts as well as monastic duties. The monks had to work extremely hard to feed and clothe themselves as well as the local needy, and also put up guests on pilgrimage. St. David's itself became a popular pilgrimage after Dewi was canonised in 1120. This was also when St. David's Day was added to the church calendar.

1 March is said to mark both his birth and his death by different sources. Dewi's remains are said to be kept in a casket at St. David's cathedral, where he is reported as being buried. However, carbon dating dates these to the twelfth century. It seems likely that, sadly, the original remains were lost.

Dewi's last words are said to have been at a sermon the Sunday before he died. He said (in ancient Welsh, of course), "Be joyful, and keep your faith and creed. Do the little things you have seen me do and heard about. I will walk the path that our fathers have trod before us." From this came 'Gwenewch y pethau bychain', meaning 'Do the little things', which is still a well-known phrase in Welsh today.

Today St. David's Day is celebrated all over Wales. Every year a one thousand strong male voice choir is especially formed to sing at St. David's Hall in Cardiff, and schools and communities across the nation sing traditional songs and hymns and go to special services in honour of Dewi Sant. Most schools allow the children to dress up, which nowadays remains quite traditional for girls, whereas boys tend to wear Welsh rugby shirts.

Also held in Cardiff is the annual St. David's Day parade, with floats and music. All those attending are requested to dress up in the spirit of the occasion.

St. David's Day is now a celebration of all things Welsh. Dewi has helped keep the Welsh language and culture alive in Wales: both things deservedly celebrated and honoured on 1 March.

Charlie Duff