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A DAVID FOR DAVID
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A Baner Dewi Sant -
V St David’s flag – Patron saint of
I Wales. Probably born in the sixth century.
D Gold cross on coal black – armorial banner of St David.
- Representing the 38th Welsh Division in the Second World War. Not part of
Y Union Jack. On St David's Day, 1 March, the Baner Dewi Sant is flown. Spring
O daffodils appear and traditionally children in Wales carry golden daffodils and
U wear the national Welsh costume with its black hat. Daffodil is the national
- flower of Wales and symbolizes chivalry. The leek is a symbol of Wales and
A this vegetable is usually depicted in paintings of David. During a battle
R against the Saxons, the Welsh fighters followed David's advice to identify
E themselves on the battlefield by wearing a leek in their hat. During hand
- to hand combat, it must have been difficult to prevent the leek from
I falling off the hat, or even keeping a hat on one's head. Who knows –
N maybe this was a cunning plan of the Welsh warriors to slay the Saxons who
- just stood there laughing. One day whilst preaching a sermon at Llanddewi Brefi,
M the ground on which he stood miraculously rose up so that the crowd could see
Y him. A dove with a golden beak flew to David and settled on his shoulder.
- The dove is described in the Bible as a symbol
P of the Holy Spirit. St David was canonized by
R Pope Callistus II in the year 1120.
A Baner Dewi Sant
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E © 2012 Suzette Crous
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