Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus or Happy St David's Day. (I hope that's the right Welsh phrase! I'm not a Welsh speaker, so had to look it up on the internet and put my faith in someone else's translation.
Most Welsh people will be well aware of their patron saint, Saint David's life. According to the legends he was a very simple character who liked to do things in an uncomplicated way, and always urged people to do a little better in their everyday lives and thus make society better, bit by bit. That's an aim that still holds true today I think.
I've included a picture of some daffodils, one of Wales' national emblem but we shouldn't forget the leek too, which might not be quite so pretty to look at, but is much tastier. (And of course daffodil bulbs are poisonous, so please never ever try to eat one of those).
Did anyone notice what looks like a reddish brown scribble across every Google search page today? Closer inspection reveals it to be a sleeping dragon, presumably a Welsh one, in honour of St David's Day. Because of course the dragon on the Welsh flag represents Wales' early struggles with the English to maintain its own identity and independence.
I heard on TV this morning that daffodils contain a substance called galantamine, which is being successfully used to treat Alzheimer's sufferers. There's a really informative article about this on Gov UK. I found it really interesting, if you'd like to take a look! (A very long link, but you need only click on it). The point being that these are being successfully grown commercially in the Black Mountains of Wales to manufacture drugs containing galantamine. What an amazing thing. A fabulous sight to see I imagine, while they are growing for a very vital use.gov.uk/government/news/wels...
I love the beauty of Wales and the Welsh people. I love your musicality, even to the lovely lilt when you speak English and I love your ability to make wonderful music. Your national anthem is one of the finest in the world.
sending a card to st judes