You know of St. Patrick’s Day, but did you know about St. David’s Day?
The annual Welsh celebration takes place more than two weeks before St. Patrick’s Day on March 1.
This year, there will be a St. David’s Day celebration in Collingwood. Pastor Paul Wilkes of First Baptist Church has a Welsh background and will be hosting the celebration at the church.
“I am from Wales and noticed that many celebrate St Patrick’s Day later in the month but really the month begins with the celebration of the patron saint of Wales,” said Wilkes in an email to CollingwoodToday.
He’s hoping to connect with other “Welsh folk” in Collingwood and area, and is extending an open invitation to the community to a St. David’s Day service on March 1 at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church (160 Pine Street).
Following the service, there will be refreshments, which Wilkes hopes include traditional Welsh cakes.
St. David lived in Wales around the year 500, and died on March 1, 589. He was the patron saint of Wales, and each year, the country celebrates St. David’s Day on the anniversary of his death. According to the BBC, Welsh people around the world mark the day by wearing one or both of Wales’ national emblems: a daffodil and a leek.
There’s a legend St. David existed on a diet of only leeks and water.
Stories told of St. David said his last words to his followers were to “be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things.” The latter of his advice – do the little things – is still a well-used phrase in Wales.
