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Get ready to celebrate Gwyl Mabsant on February 9 – a Welsh holiday that honors the patron saint of love, Saint Dwynwen. This special day has been celebrated since the 5th century and is similar to Valentine's Day in many ways. Legend has it that Saint Dwynwen was gifted three wishes by an angel after she prayed for true love, and her wishes were granted when she wished for the happiness of others instead of her own. Today, Gwyl Mabsant is a time to spread love and kindness to those around us, whether it's our significant other or our family and friends. So let's make this day a celebration of love and joy!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>5th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Gwyl Mabsant</div><div class='timeline-text'>Gwyl Mabsant originates in the 5th century, coinciding with stories of Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of love.</div></div></div>
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Gwyl Mabsant Reinvented</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 1800s, Gwyl Mabsant takes on a modern shape, morphing to a communal festival celebrated with friends and family focused on love and kindness.</div></div></div>
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1900s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Popularity Grows</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the early 1900s, the holiday boon leads to wider recognition and greater upshots in Wales and beyond.</div></div></div>
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1977</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Love Spoon Exchange</div><div class='timeline-text'>The tradition of exchanging handmade Welsh love spoons begins, adding another layer of celebration to the day.</div></div></div>
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Literature Resurgence</div><div class='timeline-text'>A resurgence in Saint Dwynwen's tales in Welsh literature helps further popularize the holiday in the late 20th Century.</div></div></div>
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Saint Dwynwen's Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Welsh government officially recognizes February 9 as Saint Dwynwen's Day, further cementing Gwyl Mabsant's status as a national holiday.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Gwyl Mabsant festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Gwyl Mabsant by attending a local festival. Enjoy traditional food, music, and activities for a truly authentic experience.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn Welsh language and customs</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the opportunity to learn more about the Welsh language and customs associated with Gwyl Mabsant. This could include attending a language course or reading up on the history and traditions of the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Gwyl Mabsant themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends over and celebrate Gwyl Mabsant with a themed party. Decorate with traditional Welsh colors and symbols, serve traditional dishes, and play some Welsh music to create a festive atmosphere.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a traditional Gwyl Mabsant dish</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Try your hand at cooking a traditional Welsh dish to celebrate Gwyl Mabsant. You could make bara brith, cawl, or Welsh cakes and share them with friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a community event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check with your local community center or Welsh organization to see if there are any events or activities planned for Gwyl Mabsant. This could include parades, concerts, or cultural performances.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates Welsh culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Gwyl Mabsant (or Patron Saint's Day) is a traditional Welsh festival that celebrates the country's rich history and culture. It's a chance for people to come together and honor their heritage through music, food, and other festivities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings communities together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Gwyl Mabsant is typically celebrated in small towns and villages, bringing locals and visitors alike together for a day of fun and festivities. It's a great opportunity to strengthen community bonds and support local businesses.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>There's something for everyone</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Whether you're interested in traditional Welsh music, trying new foods, or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Gwyl Mabsant. It's a day that brings joy to both young and old alike.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Saint Dwynwen is the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers</h3><p class='facts-text'>Somewhat akin to the Western Valentine's Day, Saint Dwynwen's Day on Jan 25th is celebrated by people in Wales to express their love for significant others, friends, and family.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Saint Dwynwen Lived During the 5th Century</h3><p class='facts-text'>Dwynwen was one of the 24 daughters of a Welsh king named Brychan Brycheiniog during the 5th century. Despite being ancient, her legacy of love still brings joy to people today.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Saint Dwynwen's Unfortunate Love Story</h3><p class='facts-text'>Dwynwen fell in love with a man named Maelon, but her father had already arranged for her to marry someone else. Heartbroken, Dwynwen prayed to forget her love for Maelon, who was subsequently turned into ice.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>An Angel granted Saint Dwynwen Three Wishes</h3><p class='facts-text'>Dwynwen was so upset about Maelon's fate that she was granted three wishes by an Angel. She chose to free Maelon, never to marry, and to devote her life to God. Her selflessness is remembered and celebrated as part of Gwyl Mabsant.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Saint Dwynwen became a Nun and Founded a Convent</h3><p class='facts-text'>After being granted her wishes, Dwynwen moved to the remote Llanddwyn Island. There, she founded a convent and lived out her days as a nun, placing service above self-love.</p></div></div>
Gwyl Mabsant is celebrated on February 9 every year. In 2024 Gwyl Mabsant will occur on a Friday.
2023
Feb 9
Thursday
2024
Feb 9
Friday
2025
Feb 9
Sunday
2026
Feb 9
Monday
2027
Feb 9
Tuesday
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