It’s approaching that time of year again when spouses look at the date, mutter an embarrassed imprecation and dash out to the shops for flowers, chocolates, or whatever might gladden the heart of their honey of either sex. But being in Wales we have the opportunity to do it twice!
Oh yes, didn’t you know? 25th January is St Dwynwen’s Day – our own special version of Valentine’s Day – and the cards should be available if you want to rush out and get one.
Dwynwen was one of the many daughters of Brychan Brycheiniog, an early 5th C ruler whose court was at Talgarth, and who is mentioned as being one of the kings who fought against Arthur’s attempts to unify the Britons. Dwywen’s mother was Rigrawst, grand daughter of Macsen Wledig, the Roman emperor Magnus Maximus. Brychan is credited with many wives and up to 28 sons and 36 daughters, many of whom like Dwynwen became saints.
But before embracing a life of piety, Dwynwen fell in love with Prince Maelon. In one version of the tale he treated her with great disrespect, in the other her father refused to allow them to marry and sent Maelon away. Heartbroken Dwynwen prayed to be free of the pain of love. An angel appeared with a potion and when Maelon drank it he was turned into ice.
Dwynwen was startled by this and made three wishes – that Maelon should be thawed out, that God should intercede on behalf of all true lovers and that she shouldn’t have to deal with the whole love and marriage business. Her wishes were granted and she went to a convent on Anglesey and lived a long, devout and useful life. It is not known what happened to Maelon.
St Dwynwen’s Church, Llandwynn, Anglesey.
Photo borrowed from Visit Wales.
It seems a rather grim story to attach to a day devoted to love, lovers and long term partnerships but it’s what we have and is worth celebrating. Perhaps with Welsh wine and a lovespoon?