Google Dydd Dewi Sant!

[Gob]

[Reality Bytes]

[MajGenl.Meade]

Happy Rugby Day!

[Lord Jim]

For those unaware of the details (like I was; St. David obviously didn't hire as good a PR firm as the one St. Patrick has) :

Saint David's Day (Welsh: Dydd Gŵyl Dewi, Welsh pronunciation: [dɨːð ɡʊɨl ˈdɛui]) is the feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and falls on 1 March each year. The first day of March was chosen in remembrance of the death of Saint David. Tradition holds that he died on that day in 569.[1] The date was declared a national day of celebration within Wales in the 18th century.

Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant) was born towards the end of the 5th century. He was a scion of the royal house of Ceredigion, and founded a Celtic monastic community at Glyn Rhosyn (The Vale of Roses) on the western headland of Pembrokeshire (Sir Benfro), at the spot where St David's Cathedral stands today. David's fame as a teacher and ascetic spread throughout the Celtic world. His foundation at Glyn Rhosin became an important Christian shrine, and the most important centre in Wales. The date of Saint David's death is recorded as 1 March, but the year is uncertain – possibly 588. As his tearful monks prepared for his death Saint David uttered these words: "Brothers be ye constant. The yoke which with single mind ye have taken, bear ye to the end; and whatsoever ye have seen with me and heard, keep and fulfil."

For centuries, 1 March has been a national festival. Saint David was recognised as a national patron saint at the height of Welsh resistance to the Normans. Saint David's Day was celebrated by Welsh diaspora from the late Middle Ages. Indeed, the 17th-century diarist Samuel Pepys noted how Welsh celebrations in London for Saint David's Day would spark wider countercelebrations amongst their English neighbours: life-sized effigies of Welshmen were symbolically lynched,[4] and by the 18th century the custom had arisen of confectioners producing "taffies"—gingerbread figures baked in the shape of a Welshman riding a goat—on Saint David's Day.[5]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_David%27s_Day

St David's Day celebrations
St David's Day parade, Cardiff

Almost 900 years after he was pronounced a saint, St David’s Day is the unmissable highlight of spring in Wales. The National St David’s Day Parade sends a red and yellow carnival across the centre of Cardiff, featuring all sorts of fiery performances from giant dragons and theatrical groups, not to mention star turns from the likes of Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey. A rousing mass rendition of the national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, finishes the procession outside St David’s Hall, where you can enjoy a special gala concert from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in the evening.

But if you’re not planning to be in the capital, there’s plenty going on elsewhere. Aberystwyth, Wrexham and Llandudno are among the places to witness flamboyant parades, and many of the country’s castles and heritage sites throw open their doors for free on the day.

One of them is the magnificent St Davids Bishop’s Palace, the lavish medieval design of Bishop Henry de Gower, built on the tip of the western coast and symbolising the power religious leaders held in his day. The ruin stands next to the imposing cathedral which was the Saint’s final resting place, and the surrounding streets – set in Britain’s smallest city – are the scenes for a fitting mini-festival in honour of their holiest former resident.

Led by clergy, the annual Pilgrims’ Walk leads to the illumination of the St David’s Day Stone, ending at the spectacularly beautiful Oriel y Parc, where you can wander around a traditional Welsh market, dance to live bands and even pick up some of the language from native speakers waiting to teach you the lingo. You might want to return to the cathedral at some point, because it’s said that two trips to it are the ecclesiastical equivalent of a pilgrimage to Rome.

Or if you’re further inland, take a look at the boisterous goings-on in Swansea, where a market and train rides along the coast accompany crafts at the city’s museum and the Get Welsh Food and Drink Festival, which is a tasty chance to find out why Wales can be particularly satisfied with some of its culinary creations over the centuries.

http://www.visitwales.com/explore/tradi ... davids-day

St. David's Day in United States

Many Americans of Welsh origin annually celebrate the life of Wales’ patron saint, St David on March 1. It is also a time to people to remember the Welsh culture and to appreciate their Welsh origins. The Welsh flag is often seen during celebrations on the day, as well as daffodils or leeks pinned to clothing.

What do people do?

Many people with Welsh ancestry or ties celebrate St David’s life and the Welsh culture in the United States. Some people may attend a special St David’s Day church service while others may cook a nice meal to share with friends or family. Meals may include herbed lamb chops, Welsh pot bread, or Caerphilly Crumble.[Well no wonder it hasn't caught on here the way St. Patrick's Day has; a holiday observed with "Caerphilly Crumble" is never going to be able to compete with one who's central observation ritual is going out and getting shit-faced... : ]

http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/st-david-day

[Scooter]

I'm pretty sure the getting shitfaced part is implied - they are Welsh after all, it's not like they need an excuse.

[Gob]

Thanks Scooter Jim and RB.

Meade, hang your head in shame!!

[Gob]

Scarlets (8) 18

Tries: Davies, Barclay
Cons: Thomas
Pens: Barkley, Thomas

Munster (13) 13

Tries: Van den Heever
Cons: Keatley
Pens: Keatley 2


Scarlets secured a deserved hard-fought win over Pro12 leaders Munster to keep alive their slim play-off hopes.

Gareth Davies scored Scarlets' opening try during a dominant half but a mistake let in Gerhard van den Heever and Munster led at the break.

John Barclay's try restored the home side's lead before a second van den Heever try was disallowed.

Scarlets survived a scrappy final quarter to inflict Munster's third Pro12 loss.

[Gob]

Just for Jim, St Dai's day recipes.

[Lord Jim]

Aw gee, and I was hoping for a recipe for the herbed lamb...

[Gob]

Whoops!

Try this!!!