25th January is St. Dwynwen’s Day, named after a 5th century Welsh heroine who, as a daughter of King Brychan fell hopelessly in love with Prince Maelon, a man she could not marry.
The legend says that she was freed from her desires but that Maelon was turned into a statue of ice.
Dwynwen prayed and she was granted 3 wishes. The first that Maelon be unfrozen. The second that she would never marry. The third that all true lovers would find happiness.
In gratitude, Dwynwen went on to start a convent at Llanddwyn on the west coast of Anglesey, where a Well named after her, became a place of pilgrimage.
By making your feelings known on St. Dwynwen’s Day, you are taking the chance to say “Dwi’n dy garu di” (I love you) and celebrating an ancient Welsh tradition.