SoA Forum

History => Ancient and Medieval History => Topic started by: Imperial Dave on Mar 01, 2026, 07:09 PM

Title: How St David inspired Wales
Post by: Imperial Dave on Mar 01, 2026, 07:09 PM
https://nation.cymru/feature/st-davids-day-how-a-sixth-century-monk-inspired-a-nation/

Well it is the 1st March...
Title: Re: How St David inspired Wales
Post by: Sharur on Mar 01, 2026, 09:39 PM
Ah, so it wasn't just the daffodil as inspiration, as demonstrated back in the B&W "Carry on Nurse", then  ;)
Title: Re: How St David inspired Wales
Post by: Imperial Dave on Mar 01, 2026, 10:02 PM
Ooooo matron
Title: Re: How St David inspired Wales
Post by: Ian61 on Mar 01, 2026, 10:05 PM
I have always thought it a pity most Welsh saints get little recognition beyond the Principality. I grew up in Llandaff where I sang in the cathedral choir for many years. Llandaff Cathedral is dedicated to three Welsh saints - Dufrig, Teilo and Euddogwy (The three mitres at the top of the shield although the first Bishop was likely Saint Fagan). The Norman's insisted on adding Peter and Paul because they obviously had local connections (not!).

For me 1st March is always the start of a new year and it would be logical if everyone else agreed, it is, of course, the start of Meteorological Spring would be much better than 1st Jan or April neither of which have anything particularly special about them. :(
Title: Re: How St David inspired Wales
Post by: Imperial Dave on Mar 02, 2026, 06:06 AM
I agree, there are loads of Welsh Saints that are unknown in the wider isles. Also the 1st of March is definitely the start of the year!

Title: Re: How St David inspired Wales
Post by: Nick Harbud on Mar 02, 2026, 07:58 AM
Quote from: Ian61 on Mar 01, 2026, 10:05 PMFor me 1st March is always the start of a new year and it would be logical if everyone else agreed, it is, of course, the start of Meteorological Spring would be much better than 1st Jan or April neither of which have anything particularly special about them. :(

I have to disagree.  The beginning of April, marking the end of the previous tax year is, if not more importance than any saint's day, of much more immediate concern.
Title: Re: How St David inspired Wales
Post by: Imperial Dave on Mar 02, 2026, 08:23 AM
 :P
Title: Re: How St David inspired Wales
Post by: Dave Knight on Mar 02, 2026, 08:30 AM
St David even has his own Test of Resolve card 8)
Title: Re: How St David inspired Wales
Post by: Imperial Dave on Mar 02, 2026, 09:03 AM
 ;D
Title: Re: How St David inspired Wales
Post by: Jim Webster on Mar 02, 2026, 02:26 PM
Quote from: Nick Harbud on Mar 02, 2026, 07:58 AM
Quote from: Ian61 on Mar 01, 2026, 10:05 PMFor me 1st March is always the start of a new year and it would be logical if everyone else agreed, it is, of course, the start of Meteorological Spring would be much better than 1st Jan or April neither of which have anything particularly special about them. :(

I have to disagree.  The beginning of April, marking the end of the previous tax year is, if not more importance than any saint's day, of much more immediate concern.
I think the tax year moved when we changed the calendar. Government didn't mind people losing days but be damned if they were going to lose revenue!

Title: Re: How St David inspired Wales
Post by: Erpingham on Mar 02, 2026, 02:39 PM
Quote from: Jim Webster on Mar 02, 2026, 02:26 PMI think the tax year moved when we changed the calendar.

True. Gregorian 5th April was Julian 25th March. Lady day, the first quarter day of the year.