St Dwynwen’s Day

St Dwynwen’s Day

Visit Wales 3 January 2011

St Dwynwen's Day, in celebration of the Welsh patron saint of lovers, takes place each year on 25 January. St Dwynwen lived on Anglesey, where this year Prince William and Kate Middleton are set to make their first married home - meaning that this Welsh saint's day will be doubly celebrated in 2011.

According to legend, Dwynwen lived in the 5th century and was the most beautiful of 24 daughters. Dwynwen fell deeply in love with a Welsh prince, Maelon Dafodrill, but was forbidden to marry him by her father who wanted her to marry another man. Dwynwen prayed to be released from this unhappy love and dreamed that she was given a potion to do this, but the potion turned Maelon to ice. She was then visited by an angel who granted her three wishes: that Maelon be revived, that she should never again wish to be married and that all true lovers find happiness forevermore.

Dwynwen then retreated to Llannddwyn Island, a beautiful narrow island connected to Anglesey at all but the highest tides and offering stunning views of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula. She lived there alone until she died but her church became an important shrine. The ruins of St Dwynwen's chapel can still be seen on the island today.

Anglesey's website: www.visitanglesey.co.uk

For more details of attractions across Wales visit www.visitwales.co.uk or call 0800 915 6567.

-ends-


For further media information or to arrange a press visit:
Ruth Haffenden / Susie Porsz, bgb communications
Tel: 020 7902 2965 rhaffenden@bgb.co.uk / sporsz@bgb.co.uk

 

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