Greetings All.
Now where shall I start? Ah yes, there once was…
A Welshman call David born a long time ago back around the time of 500 AD. He was born in the beautiful county of Pembrokeshire (Sir Benfro in Welsh). Well he must have been a right hardy sort as his life started off on a clifftop where he was born during a storm. Just imagine how terrifying a start that must have been for baby David! I bet he wanted to climb right back in. The place he was born is where the ruins of St Non’s Chapel lay. It is also said that a Holy spring came into being as he was being born.
His Mum was a lady called Non (also known as Nonna or Nonnita). St Non to be precise. I guess that’s what’s called keeping it in the family! St Non’s story brings a tear or two though. Non was a nun reputedly at Ty Gwyn (the White House) near Whitesands Bay, also in Pembrokeshire. Whether Non was a Nun at the time of David’s birth is uncertain. It could be she joined the sisterhood after being widowed but, she could well have already been a Nun for in fact, it’s said the poor lady was a victim of rape and David was the end result. Perhaps that is why she became a Nun! Doesn’t your heart just go out to her?
The day of David’s birth brought with it sombre, black and stormy skies and it’s said the only light was that which shone over Non as she birthed her child. Her labour pains were so immense (no gas and air then or epidurals) that she dug her fingers into a nearby rock in order to cope with what she was going through and her fingers left their mark! This stone is thought to be buried somewhere within St Davids Cathedral. Her harrowing experiences led to a life of celibacy (so perhaps she was not yet a Nun or was she?) and a diet of bread and water. I have to say I find St Non quite enigmatic. What about you?
All round it is a sad, sad tale but her son made good. A lot of good he did as he travelled and his good works started early in his life. He was the founder of many monasteries and churches not just in Wales but in South-West England and Brittany. It is thought he may be connected to the Abbey at Glastonbury too. I find it interesting where he founded places, a very Celtic man clearly, but I feel likely one that was or must have been an early Celtic Christian and very likely this also included aspects of the ‘old religion and particularly perhaps, the ways or wisdoms of the Druids. I can’t help but feel his preaching would’ve been much different to the that of the advent of the Catholic Church (I’m not Catholic bashing by the way, just saying).
I get a feeling that David didn’t want an easy life in any way, shape or form, whether this was through his beliefs or some other reason I don’t know. There is a tale that he only drank water and ate leeks, and perhaps that is why the leek is so revered in Wales. I know they’re tasty but…..
Not only did he live a harsh life, his monks did too. No beer (that must’ve been hard) and nor anything to help with their work on the land. It is thought the monks ploughed the soil by hand. Can you imagine. Back groaning, rumbling tummy and not even a drop of beer to quench the thirst. It certainly wouldn’t be the life for me.
David is often depicted with a dove on his shoulder as one of his miracles is that the ground rose up as he preached and a white dove landed upon him. This sounds just like what is said in the bible of a white dove descending when Yeshua was baptised by John the Baptist. The white dove of course is the symbol of the Holy Spirit or Shekinah. I make a connection here with the waters, Shekinah and the holy spring that came into being. Manifesting through the waters so to speak. Whatever, if the stories are true David was one remarkable man.
His harsh life may have been why he passed in 589, thirty nine years old, so not very old compared to these days. He is buried on the site of St David’s Cathedral.
His most famous quote I must share before I finish -
“Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things you’ve heard and seen me do”. That’s a good thing to keep in mind. We’ve much to be joyful about, joy is always there if we seek it out. As for little things. Well -worth remembering that things we do or say have a ripple effect, be it a smile, a kind word, or a little helping hand to someone. Faith - well we all need that, whatever shape or beliefs that entails.
Well, I am pretty certain that by now you know who I’ve been writing of St David!! How could I not?
Today there will be much celebration in Wales, with parades and concerts in various places. Some will prepare a special Welsh meal, some will wear daffodils or a leek, or even both! Daffodils for me I think.
On that note, whether you’re Welsh or not, Happy St David’s Day or Dydd (deeth - soft as in the) Gwyl (gweel) Dewi (Dowee) Sant (as it reads) Hapus (happis). Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant Hapus.
This is part one of the newsletter as I’ve struggled for time in the couple of days I’ve been home, so, over the weekend I’ll be sending off another newsletter hopefully! I just knew St David had to be the start of my writing. More to come, different subjects.
For now, here are a few more daffodils!!
p.s. Substack has introduced Direct Messaging which I believe is done through Notes. So, if you wish, do connect, share your thoughts and experiences. Let’s get to know each other!
Another lovely post Elaine. Very inspiring and informative together with a bit of humour 😄. Hope all is well with you. Your garden looks beautiful. Xx
Love thus...amazing ❤️ pictures and words are beautiful xx