Category: Readers Articles of Interest

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Dewi Sant – Nawddsant Cymru
Saint David – the Patron Saint of Wales

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Dewi was the Bishop of Mynyw in South West Wales – what today is called St David’s – in the 6th Century. The date of his birth is not clear but it is generally accepted that he died on March 1st in the year 589. He could very possibly have been one of the first speakers of this new language – Welsh – which had recently been developing from Brythonic. His mother’s name was Non and his father, Sant or Sandde was the son of Ceredig, king of Ceredigion. Some traditions claim that he was born during a storm outside St David’s – where the ruins of Non’s Chapel can be seen today. But it is more likely that he was born in Henfynyw, outside Aberaeron in Ceredigion. Much of what we know of Dewi’s life – and the traditions and miracles attributed to him – are recorded in a hagiograhy (biography of a religious leader) ‘Buchedd Dewi’ (The life of David) which was written by Rhygyfarch in the 11th Century.

Dewi’s teacher was a monk called Peulun – Paulinus – who himself had studied under Saint Illtyd (who had established his monastery and centre of learning in Llanilltud Fawr – Llantwit Major). One of Dewi’s first miracles is said to have been the restoring of Peulun’s sight when he be-came blind. Dewi became a renowned teacher and preacher – and his fame spread far and wide. About 1200 monasteries were founded in his name in Wales and as far away as Devon, Cornwall and Brit-tany. His base was the Celt-ic monastery which he es-tablished at Glyn Rhosyn (Moorland Vale) in Pem-brokeshire – where St David’s Cathedral stands to-day. Life at the Glyn Rhosyn Monastery was hard – as David’s rule prescribed that the monks had to pull the plough themselves without the help of animals – and like Dewi himself, they were to drink only water and eat only vegetables and bread with salt and herbs.The monks spent their evenings in prayer, reading or writing. Sometimes it is said that as a self imposed penance Dewi would stand up to his neck in cold water, reciting scripture! As a missionary, he travelled throughout Wales, southern England and Brittany and even made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where he was consecrated bishop.

Many miracles are ascribed to Dewi, including raising a dead child back to life and restoring Peulun’s eyesight. But the most famous miracle associated with him is the formation of a hill beneath his feet when he was preaching to a large gathering at Llanddewi-brefi. (As if Wales needed another hill!!!). And during this sermon, a white dove is said to have settled on his shoulder – which explains why the Saint is often depicted with a white dove. The adoption of the leek as the emblem of Wales can also be ascribed to Dewi. It is said that when the Welsh were in battle against the Saxons, David advised the Welsh soldiers to wear leeks in their hats so that they could be distinguished from the enemy.

During and after Dewi’s lifetime, St David’s grew in importance as a place of pilgrimage – attracting pilgrims from all over Britain and the Continent. Scholars believe that Rhygyfarch’s ‘Life of David’ helped promote St David’s in importance – in its competition with Canterbury. It was decreed that two pilgrimages to St David’s were equal to one to Rome – and that three equalled one pilgrimage to Jerusalem. We know that Dewi’s popularity in Wales was firmly established by the 10th Century. In the poem ‘Armes Prydein’ (The Prophecy of Britain) – composed in the 10th Century, the manuscript of which survives, – the author prophesises that all the Celtic peoples will unite to fight off the Anglo Saxon armies – and do so under the banner of Dewi. So it is evident that Dewi was recognized as the leader of the Welsh people by that time. By the way Dewi’s banner is still widely flown – you may have seen it and wondered what it represented. It comprises a gold cross on a black background.

Dewi is thought to have died on March 1st in the year 589 and of course, March 1st is known as Dydd Gŵyl Dewi (The day of the festival of Dewi) – St David’s Day. It has been recognized as such since the 12th Century. Today, on that day, school children dress in national costume and adults wear a leek or a daffodil (introduced by David Lloyd George, who wasn’t enamoured of the leek as an emblem!!) to commemorate our Patron Saint. Dewi, of course, is the only Patron Saint in the four countries of Britain and Ireland who was born in the country of which he is the Patron Saint. (Andrew was one of the Apostles; Patrick was born in Britain – possibly in Wales; George was a Cappadoccian Greek and a soldier in the Roman Army),

Dewi’s last sermon is widely quoted at this time of the year of course. Translated, it says –

‘Be happy. Keep your faith and beliefs – and do the little things which you have heard and seen me do’.

Still good advice – even after fifteen hundred years!

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi hapus iawn i chi i gyd.

A very Happy St David’s Day to you all.

Ann M. Jones

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DAFFODILS AT THE READY AND NOT JUST FOR ST DAVID’S DAY

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St David’s Day has long been associated with daffodils and they have become a symbol of Wales, not least because they bloom around the 1st of March each year. The humble ‘daff’ has always been special to us here in Wales and now its importance is about to reach new heights.

Daffodil in Welsh is ‘Cenhinen Bedr’ which literally translates into English as ‘Peter’s Leek. Wild daffodils can be found all over Europe from Wales to Germany and down to Portugal. The sub-species known as the Tenby Daffodil is usually regarded as the ‘true’ St David’s Day daffodil. It grows in the wild across South Wales and is notable because the flower is completely yellow.

Although daffodils have bloomed in Wales for thousands of years, it seems they became a popular symbol from 1911. In that year David Lloyd George, of Welsh descent and the only ever British Prime Minister whose first language was Welsh, advocated their use at the investiture ceremony when Edward VIII was made Prince of Wales. Before this, the leek was a much more common emblem worn by Welsh people. The origin of this likely dates back to the Battle of Crécy in 1346 when Welsh archers defeated French soldiers in a field of leeks. Back home, leeks were worn to honour their bravery which became an annual tradition on St David’s Day. Leeks were a popular food for many centuries and were used for medicinal purposes, but their association with St David’s Day is thought to be linked to the Tudors who had strong Welsh roots. Tudor royal household accounts list several payments for leeks in connection with St David’s Day and Henry VIII is said to have presented his daughter with a leek for the festival.

Today many of us prefer to celebrate our national day by wearing a daffodil as we have been encouraged to do so since we took part in the annual St David’s Day Eisteddfod at school or perhaps when supporting the Welsh rugby team. The Glamorgan cricket team are just one of the Welsh teams to have adopted the daffodil on their badges and crests. The Cardiff City crest sported a daffodil and Welsh dragon before owner Vincent Tan revised it, much to the annoyance of many Bluebirds fans. Not to worry though. The daffodil is a resilient species. Cut daffodils placed in a vase with other flowers will kill the others due to natural poisons, while daffodils in the wild will outlive you if they are left undisturbed. Perhaps this is a sign that the old City badge will return when the Malaysian businessman leaves town.

Nowadays daffodils are developing a much wider significance than being the national flower and symbol of Wales. Daffodils for example, produce ‘galantimine’ which is used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Current research suggests that the daffodil could also make a major contribution in dealing with global warming. Scientists from Scotland’s Rural College are reporting that daffodils could provide the key to more sustainable livestock farming. Currently cows are responsible for 14% of greenhouse gases globally and as much as 50% of methane emissions in the UK. Adding an extract called haemanthamine obtained from daffodils to livestock feed, has been shown to reduce methane in artificial cow stomachs by 30%. Andrew Evans, of Welshpool, Powys is one farmer enthusiastically testing the new method. “It’s the national flower of Wales isn’t it, so we’re quite keen on that,” he said. “There are governments across the world currently trying to meet net-zero by either taxing livestock farmers or putting quotas on the number of livestock you can have because of this methane by-product. This research gives us a very real opportunity to change that story.”

So get your daffodils ready for March 1st and in future keep your eyes open. A Welsh legend has it that if you spot the first daffodil of the season, your coming year will be filled with wealth!

 

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DAVID DAVIES AND GWYN GRIFFITHS

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I was very interested to read Ann Jones’article on David Davies of Llandinam which reminded me of a story told to me by the late D. Gwyn Griffiths. Gwyn was a worldwide authority on reclamation who led the way in pioneering methods for the removal of coal tips who I knew from the Welsh Development Agency and the South Wales Institute of Engineers Educational Trust (SWIEET 2007), of which he was a Trustee. Barry dockland was one of the reclamation projects he was involved with and when work was being carried out around the former Barry Dock offices, he told me that the statue of David Davies had to be moved off its plinth. There was, however, a problem when it was moved with the statue hitting the ground causing damage to David Davies’ head! It was repaired but according to Gwyn the head was no longer at the same angle as it was originally and thus slightly different to the replica and counterpart at Llandinam! If this is true has anyone noticed?

According to a contemporary account the Llandinam committee in seeking a tangible memorial to commemorate David Davies, saw a number of examples of work by other sculptors, but decided that Alfred Gilbert’s work (which had been commissioned by the Barry committee) was the best and they arranged to have a replica for erection at Llandinam at a cost of a thousand guineas – half the cost of the Barry statue. (Bye Gones, 21 June 1893 pp 105-6)

Incidentally following Gwyn’s death in 2020, it was decided to sponsor two prizes of £500, both awarded by the Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative (WHSI) as part of SWIEET’s educational role. WHSI hold an annual competition for schools in Wales and one prize was named in honour of Gwyn. The Gwyn Griffiths Prize for the best project has a focus on ‘green issues’ and highlights environmental and improvement issues of a locality with a former industrial background and thus reflects Gwyn as an expert in these matters. The other prize is the William Menelaus (named after the founder of the forerunner of SWIEET, the South Wales Institute of Engineers) Prize for the best project that focuses on an aspect of the industrial heritage of Wales, or historical individuals or groups involved in Welsh industrial development, see https://swieet2007.org/

Last year Gelli Primary School in Rhondda Cynon Taf was awarded the Gwyn Griffiths prize with their study of ‘Black Gold’ focussing on the coal mining heritage and an understanding of the current and future issues linked to the coal industry. They used a wide range of sources, which they examined critically, to gain valuable knowledge not just on mining in general, but the social and environmental struggles this brought. They gained sufficient knowledge to enable them to question their local MP on the issues of coal tips near their school. Ffaldau Primary School, Bridgend, won the William Menelaus Prize for best project on industrial heritage with their ‘Industry in Wales, Past, Present and Future: Power of Wales’ project. Go to https://www.whsi.org.uk/ to find out more.

An image of the information panel that was at the centre of my December 2023 Wenvoe What’s On article is attached, sadly Owen Eardley the artist, passed away just before this was unveiled at the Barry War Museum, now the Barry War Museum and Heritage Centre. This was his last work Owen made a great contribution to highlighting historical engineering and famous engineers as part of the Institution of Civil Engineers programme of commemorating engineering and raising the general public’s awareness.

Stephen K. Jones

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SOMETHING DIFFERENT
– ABOUT PIGS

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Personally, I like pigs as an animal. Being a vegetarian, I don’t like pork or the ubiquitous bacon sandwich that so many love – particularly the smell of cooking bacon. While out walking recently, for no apparent reason, quotes in relation to pigs started being shared amongst the group. Here are a few.

“I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.” – Winston Churchill

“I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty and besides, the pig likes it. ” – George Bernard Shaw

“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “What’s the first thing you say to yourself?” “What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?” “I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet. Pooh nodded thoughtfully. “It’s the same thing,” he said. – A.A. Milne.

“All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.” – George Orwell, Animal Farm

“I am very proud to be called a pig. It stands for pride, integrity and guts.” – Ronald Reagan

“These are bagpipes. I understand the inventor of the bagpipes was inspired when he saw a man carrying an indignant, asthmatic pig under his arm. Unfortunately, the man-made sound never equalled the purity of the sound achieved by the pig.” – Alfred Hitchcock

“Thou frothy tickle-brained hedge-pig!” – William Shakespeare.

A 1933 song by Benjamin Hapgood Burt.

One evening in October, when I was one-third sober,

An’ taking home a ‘load’ with manly pride;

My poor feet began to stutter,

So I lay down in the gutter,

And a pig came up an’ lay by my side;

Then we sang ‘It’s all fair weather

When good fellows get together,’

Till a lady passing by was heard to say:

‘You can tell a man whose “boozes”

By the company he chooses’

And the pig got up and slowly walked away.

Nicola

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ARE YOU READY TO CELEBRATE?

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While February 14th is of course Valentine’s Day, a closer look at this month’s calendar reveals a host of ‘important’ events and milestones. If we obey February’s call to arms, we will be supporting a host of admirable causes as well as eating numerous Yorkshire puddings, somehow and preferably with a fine set of chopsticks.

Many of the key dates aim to promote good causes and positive outcomes. The United Nations has been behind many of them including on the first day of the month, the start of World Interfaith Harmony Week. The United Nations sponsored International Day of Women and Girls in Science follows on Sunday 11th.

Co-incidentally two of the celebrations are not only celebrated on the same day but were founded in the same year, 1995. Celebrated on the 17th of the month, we find Random Acts of Kindness Day, when we are urged to help elderly neighbours or others in need, smile at strangers and even pay for the coffee order of someone behind us in the queue! World Spay Day founded by The Doris Day Animal League is also on 17th. This promotes spaying, or neutering cats and dogs as a means of saving the lives of abandoned animals. In 2002, the goal was to spay and neuter 200,000 pets across the US. On that note, 22nd February, many Wenvoe residents will celebrate National Walking the Dog Day, which at least two of them, Dolly and Charlie, seem to think is every day….unless it rains!

In the UK some of our offerings although notable, are perhaps a little less noble. British Yorkshire Pudding Day, is celebrated on the first Sunday of February. The Yorkshire pudding first recorded in 1737, was devised as a way to conserve the fat that would drip off a roasting fowl or side of meal. In poorer quarters they would be served before the main meal to dull the appetite before the sparingly served meat course. If you are inclined to make your own, remember that according to the Royal Society for Chemistry, “A Yorkshire pudding isn’t a Yorkshire pudding if it is less than four inches tall.” Stranger still perhaps is National Chopsticks Day on February 6th. Practice using chopsticks, teach someone how to use them or have a family competition. If you join in remember there are several etiquette rules. Don’t point your chopsticks at other people and don’t leave your chopsticks stuck vertically in your food. That’s associated with death.

World Groundhog Day on February 2nd is celebrated in the US and Canada. If a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks. If it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early. The event started in Pennsylvania in 1887 when people named the forecasting groundhog Punxsutawney Phil, now a local celebrity. While Phil is the most well-known, other states have their mascots, such as Pothole Pete in New York or Buckeye Chuck in Ohio. Publicised by the Bill Murray movie of that name, current celebrations include festivals that draw crowds of around 40,000 people and are broadcast on TV. In the best quarters, matters are hosted by local officials, wearing top hats and speaking in Groundhogese!

Some ‘days’ don’t quite seem to have the best name. Did you know the average person spends 38 days of their lifetime brushing their teeth, a practice started by the ancient Egyptians c5000BC. While we should celebrate and promote this fine daily routine, perhaps a more positive title than National Toothache Day (February 9th) could have been chosen for this special day. Finally, we can all look forward to a really big day on Tuesday 27th.. Let’s all hear it for World Non-governmental Organisation Day!

 

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NEW YEAR TRADITIONS IN WALES

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As we in Wenvoe celebrate the arrival of the New Year with a bottle of fizz, watching the fireworks from around the world on television, and by singing a few lines of Auld Lang Syne, there are many very old New Year’s traditions in Wales. These are deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Welsh culture and history, reflecting a unique blend of ancient customs and modern celebrations. As the clock strikes midnight and the calendar turns, the people of Wales come together to welcome the new year with a combination of time-honoured rituals and contemporary festivities.

One of the most iconic Welsh New Year traditions is the custom of “Calennig,” a term that translates to “New Year’s gift.” Historically, Calennig involved the exchange of small gifts or coins as a gesture of good luck for the coming year. While the practice of giving gifts has evolved over time, the sentiment remains, and it is not uncommon for people to exchange small presents or tokens of goodwill on New Year’s Day.

The night leading up to the new year, known as “Nos Galan,” is a time for communities to come together for festivities and merriment. In some areas, the tradition of “Mari Lwyd” takes centre stage. Mari Lwyd, which means “Gray Mare” in Welsh, involves a group of revellers parading through the streets with a horse skull adorned with colourful ribbons and bells. This unique and somewhat eerie tradition is believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. The Mari Lwyd party often involves singing and engaging in rhyming exchanges with residents, creating a lively and communal atmosphere.

In the Cynon valley the Nos Galan race is held on New Year’s Eve to celebrate the life of Guto Nyth Bran the son of a farmer who was helping his father herd sheep when he managed to chase and catch a wild hare. Once locals heard of this there were new rumours every day of him catching hares, foxes, and birds. One such legend has him running from his home to the local town of Pontypridd and back, a total distance of some 7 miles (11 km), before his mother’s kettle had boiled. Another tale is that he could blow out a candle and be in bed before the light faded.

As the new year dawns, many Welsh people participate in the custom of “First-Footing.” This involves the belief that the first person to enter a home after midnight will bring either good or bad luck for the coming year. Ideally, the “first-footer” is a dark-haired man, often bringing symbolic gifts such as coal, salt, and whisky. This tradition is a delightful way for friends and family to start the year on a positive note.

Music and dance are integral to Welsh New Year celebrations, with many communities hosting lively gatherings featuring traditional folk music and dance. People join hands in a circle, performing intricate steps to the tunes of traditional Welsh songs. These events not only showcase the talent and cultural richness of the community but also create an inclusive and happy atmosphere for all.

In recent years, the influence of global celebrations has integrated with traditional Welsh customs, leading to a fusion of old and new. Fireworks displays have become a common sight in urban areas, lighting up the night sky and symbolizing the collective optimism for the year ahead, and on television you can even see the fireworks in Australia on the bridge in Sydney harbour.

In conclusion, the New Year traditions in Wales bring together a beautiful blend of ancient customs and modern celebrations. From the age-old practices of Calennig and Mari Lwyd to the modern spectacles of fireworks and communal gatherings, the Welsh people welcome the new year with a deep sense of cultural pride and community spirit. These traditions not only connect the present with the past but also contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Wales’ cultural heritage.

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