On March 1st, during a very stormy and snowy commute to work, I listened to a wonderful concert on CBC Radio in commemoration of Saint David's Day. There was a thrilling rendition of CWM Rhonnda* sung by Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel and a Welsh choir in his recording We'll Keep a Welcome.
St. David is the patron saint of Wales who died on March 1, 589. Since the 18th century, this day has been a national day of celebration in that country. Many Welsh people wear a daffodil or a leek on their lapel and leek broth,or cawl, is a traditionally eaten dish. (St. David was a vegetarian) These plants share similar names in Welsh, Cenhinen (leek) and Cenhinen Bedr (daffodil, literally "Peter's leek").
My husband bought me a big pot of spring bulbs for Valentine's Day, knowing that wilting cut flowers make me feel sad. The flowers are now finished, but I will plant the bulbs in the garden and enjoy them year after year. I took this picture of the daffodils above and have it as my computer desktop background as a promise of spring.
On May 6, 2006, I visited Niagara on the Lake, Ontario and took this photo of a daffodil garden planted for the Canadian Cancer Society's Daffodil Month, their annual fund raising campaign. I mention the date so specifically knowing I have about six weeks to wait before I see cheerful yellow daffodil blooms in my garden.
According to tradition, the words of St. David's last sermon, given just before he died at the age of 100 years are as follows.
'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" meaning, "Do the little things" is a common Welsh phrase. It is often the simple little things in life, like a bright flower, that bring the greatest meaning and joy into our lives.Have a daffodil day!
*Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah
"It is often the simple little things in life, like a bright flower, that bring the greatest meaning and joy into our lives."
ReplyDeleteAMEN! Lovely post, Ruth.
Oh, nothing like Welsh hymns to get the blood stirring! I love "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah"--maybe my all time favorite hymn melody. Songs of praises I will ever sing.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for daffodils here! Thanks for the lovely Friday flower.
Thanks Mary!
ReplyDeleteKGMom- Music is bred into Welsh blood. Their language is so musical too. I remember a very moving rendition of this hymn being sung at Princess Diana's funeral.