Google Doodle celebrates Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant, Also known as St David's Day, with Welsh symbols such as the red dragon, daffodils and leeks.
The doodle, created by artist Celine You, sketched the design in wood before burning marks to outline and finish it with paint.
The doodle is inspired by the legend of Dinas Emrys, where two dragons, one red and one white, slept in an underground lake under a king's castle. They both woke up and began fighting each other, but the red dragon emerged victorious and became a symbol of Welsh pride, according to Wales.com.
Another addition to how dragon iconography emerged is the Arthurian legend of the young Merlin, who foresaw a battle between a red and white dragon, believing it symbolized the fight against the Saxons.
Many also show that they are proud to be Welsh by wearing a leek or a daffodil, both national symbols of Wales. Cities and towns across Wales will hold parades or festivals today, with some of the largest in Cardiff and Swansea.
Saint David's Day celebrates the patron saint of Wales, Saint David. While little is known about this elusive saint, according to a Latin manuscript written by the medieval poet and biographer Rhygyfarch, the saint died in the year 589 on March 1, according to Amgueddfa Cymru (Museum Wales).
His father is traditionally thought to have been Sant, son of Ceredig, king of Ceredigion. After being educated in Cardiganshire, he undertook a pilgrimage through south Wales and western England, in which he founded monastic settlements and churches, including at Glastonbury and Croyland.
After making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he settled in Glyn Rhosyn and founded a very strict religious community.
Saint David and his monks lived a very simple and austere life, plowing the fields by hand and avoiding eating meat or drinking beer. It is also believed that Saint David only ate leeks and drank water, says VisitWales.
According to the Rhygyfarch manuscript, Saint David performed many miracles while preaching, such as causing the ground to rise beneath him to lift him up, so that the large crowd could hear and see him speak.
However, Rhygyfarch's accuracy is a matter of debate, as his father was the Bishop of St Davids, so his manuscript could have been written as propaganda.
He welsh government has asked people around the world to do “something small to brighten someone else's day” as they celebrate their national day.
As part of the St. David's Day celebrations, the government also launched a year-long initiative to organize events throughout the year to strengthen ties with India.
Called “Wales in India”, the government will host events celebrating links with India in arts and culture, education, health, business and human rights.
They hope the initiative will foster new business and investment opportunities, cultural and sporting connections, and collaboration in academia and healthcare.
The last words that Saint David spoke in a sermon to his followers have also had a lasting effect throughout the centuries. “Be cheerful, keep the faith and do the little things that you have heard me do and seen me do,” he is believed to have said.
The phrase “Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd” – “Do the little things in life” – remains a well-known motto in Wales to this day.
