Mar 01, 2020
St. David's Day 2020
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle pays homage to the annual commemoration of cultural heritage in Wales, St. David’s Day. Every year the country comes together in honour of their patron saint to celebrate Welsh history, culture, and identity.
Recognised since the 18th century, St. David’s Day is a time for the Welsh to show their national pride. Many may wear pins of leeks, daffodils, or both as historical emblems of Wales, which have come to be associated with the day. The leek is said to have been worn by medieval Welsh warriors to differentiate themselves from their enemies, and the daffodil coincides with the holiday’s arrival as winter gives way to spring.
From Wales’ largest city, Cardiff, to its smallest, St. Davids, locals hold parades and concerts. Schools host Eisteddfodau, a traditional festival of poetry and music, and children often dress up in 18th and 19th century-inspired clothing or even dress as the Welsh flag’s red dragon.
To get into the Welsh spirit, you can enjoy a speciality like the Welsh Rarebit. Or, simply take in this year’s first daffodils to welcome the spring season!
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! (Happy St. David’s Day!)
Early draft of the Doodle by artist Matt Cruickshank
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