Why do we wear leeks and daffodils on St. David’s Day?

This Friday is Saint David’s Day, the patron saint of Wales.

Whether you’ve lived in Wales all your life or are new to Cardiff, you’ll no doubt catch some of the celebrations in the capital this week.

Even Prince Charles is coming!

But why do we wear leeks and daffodils? The question’s been popping up quite a lot this week.

I decided to put it to rest.

Traditionally in Wales on the first of March we all get dressed up in authentic Welsh costumes. The girls wear daffodils, the boys wear leeks.

Two young girls dressed in traditional welsh costume

Traditional Welsh Costume. Photo taken by ‘TheDivineGoat’

But why?!

Well legend has it, wearing a leek dates back to the sixth century. During a battle against the Saxons, Saint David told his troops to wear leeks on their helmets to help them identify themselves.

It all stemmed from there!

Some say the Tudors even took their green and white family colours from the leek.

There is another theory though.

Some believe the leek originated from The Battle of Crecy in 1346.

During the battle, The Prince of Wales (Not Charles), Edward the Black Prince defeated the French. His soldiers are said to have fought in a field of leeks.

So as a reminder of their bravery and loyalty, the Welsh began to wear leeks in their caps on Saint David’s Day.

What about the daffodil then?