"Those little things…."

Observant drivers and pedestrians on Comoros Street outside the British Embassy (possibly a contradiction in terms) today will notice the Welsh flag fluttering in the breeze from our flagpole – the famous red dragon on a green and white background. And anyone who comes into contact with me will see that I am wearing a red dragon lapel badge.

1 March is the anniversary of the death of St David (“Dewi Sant”) of Wales in 588/589 AD. His most famous words, on his deathbed, could appeal to any of us – “Lords, brothers and sisters, be cheerful, keep the faith, and do those little things which you have seen me do and heard me say.” St David was a Celtic monk, abbot and bishop, perhaps of royal descent. During his life, he was archbishop of Wales, and he was one of many early saints who helped to spread Christianity among the pagan Celtic tribes of western Britain. He was the only Patron Saint of the four chief nations of the United Kingdom to have been born in the land that adopted him.

Many traditions and legends are associated with St David. At one famous synod, when he could not be heard, he laid a handkerchief on the ground and stood on it to speak – whereupon it is claimed that the ground rose under his feet forming a little hill so that all could hear him speak. And a golden-beaked dove is said to have landed on his shoulder as a symbol of his holiness. Another popular legend has it that St. David advised the Britons on the eve of a battle with the Saxons to wear leeks in their caps so as to easily distinguish friend from foe – and the Welsh won a great victory. (The words for “daffodil” and for “leek” – both national emblems of Wales – are virtually the same in Welsh.) In Wales itself, the 1 March celebrations involve singing, poetry and traditional food. I’m not sure what the aesthetic St David, who lived mostly on bread and water, would have made of this.

As a half-Welshman, I am still recovering from Wales’ thrilling rugby victory last weekend. I should be happy to hear from any Welsh men or women in Ethiopia who would welcome the opportunity to celebrate the national day in more style in future years.In the meantime, you can find a message from the First Minister of Wales at http://ukinethiopia.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=News&id=736868582