St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers and we celebrate St Dwynwen’s day on the 25th January.

The story of Dwynwen dates back to the 5th century. Dwynwen fell in love with a Prince called Maelon Dafodrill, but her father Brychan Brycheiniog was determined that she would marry another man.

Dwynwen was devasted that she couldn’t marry her true love and begged God to make her forget Maelon. She was visited by an angel who gave her a potion that was supposed to make her have no memory of Maelon and turned him into a block of ice.

Dwynwen was then granted three wishes. Firstly she wished for Maelon to be thawed, secondly that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers and thirdly she wished that she would never marry. She devoted the rest of life to God’s service, founding a convent on the island of Llanddwyn and you can see still see the remains of the church today.

Also on the island is a well where according to legend swims a sacred fish that can predict the happiness of relationships. Visitors still visit the well today hoping that the water will boil meaning that love and good luck will follow them.

Have a look below for some ideas to celebrate St Dwynens Day and don’t forget to say ‘Dwi’n dy garu di’ (I love you) today!

Recipes
Cook your loved one something special from Wales

Lovespoons
History and meanings behind the traditional gift of the Welsh lovespoon

Breaks
Some of our favourite places for a break away in Wales.

Stories
Read some of our romantic myths and legends from Wales