Saint David

Saint David, or Dewi Sant, as he is known in the Welsh language, is the patron saint of Wales. He was a Celtic monk, abbot and bishop, who lived in the sixth century. During his life he was one of many early saints who helped to spread Christianity among the pagan Celtic tribes of western Britain. According to legend on the eve of the battle against the Saxons, St David advised the Britons to wear leeks in their caps so as to easily distinguish friend from foe.

This humble root vegetable is cited as a symbol of Wales in William Shakespeare's Henry V. Historical evidence also exists that the Tudor dynasty issued leeks to be worn by their guards on March 1, known as St David's Day in honour of the patron saint of Wales. A happy St David’s to all this Friday!