THE WELSH DAFFODIL
If you had to think of an image that represented Wales, three things spring to mind...the dragon, obviously, the leek, and the daffodil, traditionally worn on St Davids Day, which celebrates Dewi Sant (St David) on the 1st March every year. Dewi Sant is the Patron Saint of Wales, founding a large monastery in West Wales on the site of St Davids Cathedral in the sixth century.
The daffodil is thought to have been a symbol of Wales since the 19th century, when it conveniently blooms just in time to celebrate Dewi Sant. Some believe that the popularity of the flower comes from its Welsh name, Cenhinen Pedr, meaning 'Peters Leek', since there is far more historical precedent for wearing leeks, with records of this going back to the 6th century. Welsh folklore has it that Dewi Sant ordered his soldiers to wear leeks to go into battle against the much reviled Saxons, while in the 14th century, archers wore leek themed uniforms of green and white.
The popularity of the daffodil is thought to have grown in the era of David Lloyd George as Prime Minister. A Welsh man himself, Lloyd George would wear a daffodil in his buttonhole. Lets face it, they are a little more attractive to wear than a leek, and smell considerably better!
There are 36 species of daffodil, with over 26,000 cultivated varieties! So which one is the true Welsh Daffodil? Many people consider the Tenby Daffodil to be the traditonal St Davids Day daff, with its smaller uniform yellow flowers and short stiff stem. Either way, we dont mind, we love them all!
