Dewi Sant, or Saint David as he is known in English, is the patron saint of Wales. And today – March Ist – is his day.
My natural father was Welsh and – although she was born Scotland – my mother moved to Wales when she was nine. So, having spent my formative years in this beautiful, rugged country, I am proud of my heritage.
Dewi Sant (c500-589) lived for nearly 100 years, becoming Bishop and presiding over two Synods. Although of noble birth, he led a frugal and ascetic life; existing on a simple diet of bread, water and herbs. He travelled widely, going on pilgrimages to Rome and Jerusalem and founding monastic settlements and churches in Cornwall and Brittany, as well as in his native Wales. Saint David’s Cathedral still stand on the grounds of the monastery he founded at Glyn Rhosyn, in Pembrokeshire.
There are many stories regarding Dewi – it is said that he once raised a youth from the dead and milestones during his life were marked by the appearance of springs of water. But perhap the most well-known miracle is said to have taken place at the Synod of Llanddewi Brefi. A great crowd gathered and when Dewi stood up to speak, one of the congregation shouted, ‘We won’t be able to see or hear him’. At that instant the ground lifted beneath his feet, until he was visible to all and a dove (which became his emblem) flew down and settled on his shoulder.
Further information about St. David, his importance to Wales and his impact on Christianity in a largely pagan society, can be sourced quite easily. But it is his dying words that resonate and have particular relevance to me today:
‘Be joyful, and keep your faith and your creed. Do the little things that you have seen me do and heard about. I will walk the path that our fathers have trod before us.’
‘Gwnewch y pethau bychain’ – ‘Do the little things’ – is a well-known phrase in Welsh, which has proved an inspiration to many – myself included. Which is why I’ve chosen it as my ‘Occupy Blogosphere’ slogan for today. I may not be able to change the world single-handedly – but I can add my ‘two-pennorth’ to a growing international movement against oppression.
So, Happy Saint David’s Day and, remember, Gwnewch y pethau bychain!
Please visit Soul Dipper’s Blog for more information and further posts on ‘Occupy Blogosphere’.
Wightrabbit 
Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant my lovely flower!! Let’s hope that isn’t swearing in Welsh.
Thanks, Jules, all Wesh sounds like swearing, but I’m sure you’ve got it right!
I enjoyed this – a nice mixture of the personal and the general.
x
Thanks, Jan, it’s an exercise in brevity for me!
Do the little things. Do your ‘ two pennorth’. You have authority to do it. Do not mind if people seem not to perceive you or hear you. Leave it to the Good Lord.
Great message. Thank you.
Once again, thank you so much for your support, Versa Kay. It’s such a pleasure to know that some people understand where I am coming from’
Hi Jacqueline,
Hubby is a Welshman, so we’re having home-made minted lamb burgers in cobs with salad, followed by bara brith. Gwnewch y pethau bychain. I’ll use that a lot. May put it on my website if that’s o.k. with you….
There’s a lot of us about, Susan, we get everywhere! Yes, please feel free to post the quote, it isn’t mine, but I think it’s one that’s worth remembering!
P.s. Your evening meal sounds perfect!
What a beautiful tribute to Saint David on this March 1st. I’m so glad you chose to write about him in connection with Occupy Blogosphere. It seems a perfect way to invite St. David to use his Divine powers to help our planet recover from humanity’s greed. If he brought a child back from death, he will surely bring a determined planet into safety by placing it in the hands of the loving.
Jacqueline, that is such a beautiful bit of ancestry! I have Irish and English in my background so between the two of us, we have all bases covered. 😀
Yes! “Do the little things.”
Thank you, Amy, it seemed to be the right thing to post and I’m glad you agree. I’m always on the lookout for something that will fit Occupy Blogosphere and it’s surprising how much ancient wisdom there is available to us. I’m enjoying finding that out – it’s very inspirng, as you say.
One of my Welsh aunts emigrated to Canada in 1976, so I also have four cousins and their families living on Vancouver Island. Small world, as they say, which is why should all do our best to take care of it!
‘Gwnewch y pethau bychain’ – ‘Do the little things’ . . . LOVE IT! 😀
Thank you! 🙂
Ditto Nancy’s comment! Hope you had a great Dewi Sant Day. In my house it’s the day to say “Rabbit!” when you awake. I re posted a blog about that tradition on the 1st.
BTW, you have been tagged! Here are your instructions:
http://paulatohlinecalhoun1951.wordpress.com/2012/03/04/help-ive-been-tagged/
Cheers! 😆
In our house we say ‘wightrabbit’ because my man was brought up to say ‘rabbit, rabbit, white rabbits! And we did have a beautiful March 1, here on The Isle Of Wight.
Thanks for tagging me, Paula, I’ll get on to it!
I’ve just read the rules – Good Grief! THANKS for tagging me, Paula! 😉
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story of miracles! My ancestry is English, Irish and Scotch, and there is so much that I am beginning to learn about my deep roots that are implanted in our Mother Earth and the people who share it! Peace, love, light and blessings!
“White Eagle”
It’s strange but I’m only just acknowledging my varied ancestry and celebrating the influence of my forefathers on the way I feel and act today!
I’ve been away so I am trying to catch up. Iwant to get to all the “Lighting Up the Blogphere posts first as they are all so inspiring.
This is a great and informative write. I enjoyed the pesonal part in the beginning and the way you combined it with the Information about Dewi Sant, or Saint David.
His words “‘Be joyful, and keep your faith and your creed. Do the little things that you have seen me do and heard about. I will walk the path that our fathers have trod before us.’ – ‘Gwnewch y pethau bychain’ – ‘Do the little things’ are inspiring.
Isadora
Thank you, Isadora 🙂 It is inspiring to read the Occupy Blogosphere posts and a challenge each week to find something that fits. I’m learning so much from researching my own pieces and reading what others have published. It seemed as though this particular one was handed to me on a plate! ‘Do the little things’ is an excellent mantra – but I also like the beginning of the quote, about being joyful and keeping the faith.
Thank you for teaching me something new tonight. “Do the little things…”…hmmmm I like that. It’s like the power of 1+1 into infinity…if we ALL “did the little things” imagine how much better the world could be! 🙂
I like your maths – each small thing adds up to a more enriched whole! 🙂