Unlike Valentine's Day which is celebrated on February 14th, St Dwynwen's Day is celebrated on January 25th. St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of love. Legend has it that she was a 5th century princess of Anglesey who fell in love with a man named Maelon Dafodrill. Here is the problem - her father had already promised her hand in marriage to another man, forbidding their love. Dwynwen prays to no longer love Maelon so that she may not live a life haunted by lost love. Instead, an angel appears with a potion that turns Maelon into ice! Like many other familiar stories, God then grants Dwynwen with three wishes: to unfreeze Maelon, to remain unmarried, or to become a patron of lovers. In order to thank God for his gracious wishes, she chooses to remain unmarried and retreat to a small island where she becomes a resource for the sick and in love. The Church of Dwynwen remains there today, nothing but ruins.
Throughout time, the story shifted, but Dwynwen became a symbol for Welsh love and is often associated with other local folklore. Her symbolism for love became popular amongst the Welsh poets, occasionally popping up in historical love poems. People today celebrate St Dwynwen's Day very similar to Valentines Day, with romantic outings, dinners, and gifts.
