Shwmae! Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus!
That's Welsh for, "Hello! Happy St. Dwynwen Day!"
Who's St. Dwynwen and why am I writing this in Welsh? Let's take a journey to Wales where we'll discover the story of a Welsh saint named Dwynwen. And from there, we'll meet the fastest growing language on Duolingo and the freshest Welsh language music!
Saint Dwynwen
Welsh culture has a particular appreciation for the arts. The Welsh are known for their music and their singing. Part of their native folk tradition involves a rich culture rooted in Christian history. One of the early Christians there was a Welsh girl named Dwynwen who is now known as the Welsh patron saint of lovers.
The story of Saint Dwynwen is one of a love that could not be. She and a man named Maelon Dafodrill were in love, but Dwynwen's father forbade the marriage. You see, her father had already promised her to another man. Distraught, she prayed that she could fall out of love with Maelon - then maybe the pain would ease.
As with any ancient story, there are mythical components to this story as well. For instance, an angel appears to Dwynwen with a potion to help her fall out of love; her beau, Maelon, is turned into a block of ice. Dwynwen was given three wishes and she asked that: Maelon be thawed, that she would never have to marry, and that God would help those in love. In thanksgiving, she became a nun and settled on an island off the coast of Anglesey, now known as Ynys Llanddwyn - Dwynwen Church Island.
Dydd Santes Dwynwen
Saint Dwynwen's Day - Dydd Santes Dwynwen in Welsh - is celebrated on 25 January each year as a day to celebrate love. Think of it as the Welsh version of St. Valentine's Day.
The Welsh give and receive cards and go out to celebrate with their loved ones at dinners or concerts. Here's an article about St. Dwynwen's Day for context. To learn more about how Welsh people celebrate this special holiday, here's a great article from the BBC.
The Visit Wales site has a page about today's celebration as part of their discussion of Welsh culture and traditions. Included is the image above for a free greeting card you can print out and give to that special someone - whether a love or a friend - in your life.
Welsh language
In a special way, St. Dwynwen's Day is also something of a Welsh language day too. Today sets the Welsh apart from everyone else celebrating 14 February as the day of love. Greeting cards come with Welsh language phrases and there's even something else that makes today a day for Welsh language learning!
Five years ago today, Duolingo put out their free course to learn the Welsh language. The Welsh government has a goal of 1 million Welsh speakers by the year 2050, and partnering with new programs like Duolingo's is helping people around the world - like me - to learn some of this ancient language. Read the Guardian's article about the surge in Welsh learning here.
Why does Wales have a goal to increase Welsh learning? Less than 29% of their population speaks the Welsh language. But after centuries of decline - often by systematic suppression in the education system - there is a resurgence of the language in Wales.
Back in October 2020, I wrote about the beginnings of my Welsh language journey. I was on a 23 day streak then, and today I'm now on my 139th day in a row of studying Welsh! I'm loving it! Besides using Duolingo's free app each day, I also listen to Welsh music and try my best to find videos on Welsh culture.
Welsh Music
The Welsh are a singing people. Known for generations for their choirs, their modern music is not to be ignored.
For traditional Welsh songs, I love Cynefin, for folksy songs, Calan is a must listen. Eve Goodman has a beautiful mix of original and traditional songs. But if you're looking for contemporary Welsh music from all styles and from various artists, check out Lwp's YouTube channel for the newest popular music out of Wales.
For a fun combination of Welsh language learning, some comedy, and fresh music too, go over to Miss O'Hare's channel. That reminds me, you can't forget Eadyth Crawford, whose bilingual electro-soul will captivate you!
*****
Genealogy isn't always about specific people - it's also about encountering a culture along with its language and music. On this St. Dwynwen's Day, I hope you'll take a moment to show your love with those around you. Share a smile, give a cwtch (Welsh for a hug), or give some encouragement to someone who needs it.
Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus! Happy Saint Dwynwen's Day!
Your ancestors deserve the best researcher, the most passionate story-teller, and the dignity of being remembered. So let's encounter your ancestors through family history and remember the past made present today!
