Happy St Valentine’s Day, although in Wales we celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day on 25th January.
Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers. She was one of the many handsome children of Brychan Brycheiniog. Maelon Dyfodrull fell in love with her but her father would not permit them to marry. (that’s fathers for you!)
Maelon was angry and threatened to rape her (it doesn’t look as though there was much love involved in his side of the relationship!!) Dwynwen anxiously prayed to be saved from his advances and Maelon was turned to ice (that probably slowed him up a little!)
Given three wishes by an angel, Dwynwen wished to be free of Maelon, that she would never marry and that she would be able to help others to find love.
With a sister and a brother, Dwynwen travelled, preaching and establishing Christian churches, finally settling on a little island just off Anglesey, now known as Llanddwyn, Dwynwen’s church/parish.
Llanddwyn is a beautiful place, with miles of sandy beaches, walks through mixed woodland and is lapped by the Irish Sea in all its moods The island is accessible by a short causeway at most states of the tide and is well worth visiting, whether or not you are encountering difficulties in love. Currently, work is being done to maintain the remains of the little church dedicated to Santes Dwynwen on Llanddwyn.
Dorothy
Valentine’s Day 2013