St Dwynwen's Day (Dydd Santes Dwynwen)

St Dwynwen's Day, or Dydd Santes Dwynwen, is celebrated annually on 25th January in Wales. Much like Valentine's Day, this special occasion is a time for lovers to exchange cards, gifts, and tokens of affection.

Discover our collection of beautifully handcrafted Welsh lovespoons, perfect for St Dwynwen’s Day gifts.

Who Was Santes Dwynwen?

Dwynwen, the patron saint of Welsh lovers, lived during the 5th century. According to tradition, she was one of the 24 children of Brychan Brycheiniog, the then King of Wales. Dwynwen was known for her deep faith and purity.

The legend of Santes Dwynwen tells a bittersweet tale of love and devotion. She fell deeply in love with a man named Maelon Dafodrill, but her father refused their union, having already arranged for her to marry another. Heartbroken, Maelon became enraged and cruelly rejected Dwynwen.

Distraught, Dwynwen fled to the woods and prayed to God to ease her pain and remove her love for Maelon. Her prayers were answered when an angel appeared in a dream, offering her a potion. This potion not only helped her forget Maelon but also turned him into ice.

Dwynwen’s Three Wishes

Moved by her devotion, God granted Dwynwen three wishes:

That Maelon be thawed.
That true lovers would find happiness and blessings in their unions.
That she herself would remain unmarried, dedicating her life to God.

All three wishes were fulfilled, and in gratitude, Dwynwen devoted the rest of her life to her faith.

Llanddwyn Island

Dwynwen became a nun and settled on Llanddwyn Island, located off the west coast of Anglesey. She passed away around 460 AD, and the ruins of a 16th-century Tudor church, attributed to her original church, can still be visited today.

The island is also home to a sacred well, which has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Legend tells of a magical fish (or eel) in the well, whose movements were said to predict the future for young lovers. Women seeking reassurance about their partners' faithfulness would sprinkle breadcrumbs into the water and wait for the fish's response.

Celebrating St Dwynwen's Day

In recent years, St Dwynwen's Day has seen a resurgence in popularity among Welsh people. Couples celebrate with cards, gifts, and even special events such as concerts and parties.

One of the most meaningful gifts exchanged on this day is the Welsh lovespoon. These intricately carved wooden spoons, symbolising love and commitment, make a timeless keepsake for St Dwynwen’s Day.

Browse our exquisite range of lovespoons to find the perfect gift for your loved one.