Welsh National Emblems: Daffodils & Leeks

Many Welsh people wear one or both of the national emblems of Wales (the leek and the daffodil) on their lapel to celebrate St. David, which falls on 1 March each year. The daffodil (a generic Welsh symbol which is in season during March) or the leek (Saint David's personal symbol) are worn on this day. St. David is the patron saint of Wales. He was a monk who lived on bread, water, herbs and leeks and died on March 1, 589 A. D.
The association between leeks and daffodils is strengthened by the fact that they have similar names in Welsh, Cenhinen (leek) and Cenhinen Pedr (daffodil, literally "Peter's leek"). Younger girls sometimes wear traditional Welsh costumes to school. This costume consists of a long woollen skirt, white blouse, woollen shawl and a Welsh hat.
The daffodil is an emblem for Wales which gained popularity in the 19th century. Women, especially, were fond of this bright, cheerful flower as an emblem of Wales.
At the beginning of the 20th century it became even more closely associated with Wales when Welshman and British Prime Minster David Lloyd George wore it on St David's Day and at ceremonies to mark the investiture of the then Prince of Wales.

Daffodils in March

In the UK and northern US, March is thought of as the first month of spring, and many people think of March as the time when spring flowers, especially daffodils, appear. There is an old saying that "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb", which means that March begins with cold weather windy weather and ends with warmer weather.


The leek has an old association with Wales with references to this green and white plant dating back to the six-century poet Taliesin.
The leek is also mentioned in 13th century Red Book of Hergest which contains manuscripts of the Welsh mythological tales known as The Mabinogian.
Eating leeks was believed to encourage good health and happiness and they were worn by the Welsh in the Battle of Crecy in 1346.
It has been suggested, too, that the green and white family colours of the Tudor dynasty are taken from this most Welsh of symbols.
By the time Henry VIII - whose father Henry VII founded the Tudor dynasty - presented a leek to his daughter on St David's Day in 1536, the leek was firmly associated with Wales.
St David is, of course, the patron saint of Wales and the patriotic wear small, ornamental leeks and daffodils on March 1 to celebrate Wales’ own saint's day.