posted by sooyup
on
Holidays,
Mythology
Today is Bastille Day of course - the anniversary of the storming in of the Bastille in 1798, which is seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation. It is also the day when a treaty was signed in 1404 between Owain Glyndwr of Wales and Charles VI of France, ratifying an earlier agreement. The day is special to the Welsh for another reason. To us, and to Celts everywhere, 14th July is Well Day. It is fondly believed that wishes made at holy wells on this day will come true. There are many holy wells in Wales, the most famous of which is at Treffynnon (Holywell). Legend tells us that in the seventh century Winefride, a local girl, was loved by Caradog, son of a chief. But she did not return his love and wished to spend her life in the service of the church. Caradog tried to take her by force and struck off her head in the struggle. Immediately a spring of water burst from the spot where her head fell and the ground opened up and swallowed Caradog. Her head was put back on her shoulders by St Beuno and she was miraculously restored to life, later to become Abbess of Gwytherin. I have never bothered to make a wish at this or any other holy well. All my wishes came true when I married Emma.
Today is Bastille Day of course - the anniversary of the storming in of the Bastille in 1798, which is seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation. It is also the day when a treaty was signed in 1404 between Owain Glyndwr of Wales and Charles VI of France, ratifying an earlier agreement. The day is special to the Welsh for another reason. To us, and to Celts everywhere, 14th July is Well Day. It is fondly believed that wishes made at holy wells on this day will come true. There are many holy wells in Wales, the most famous of which is at Treffynnon (Holywell). Legend tells us that in the seventh century Winefride, a local girl, was loved by Caradog, son of a chief. But she did not return his love and wished to spend her life in the service of the church. Caradog tried to take her by force and struck off her head in the struggle. Immediately a spring of water burst from the spot where her head fell and the ground opened up and swallowed Caradog. Her head was put back on her shoulders by St Beuno and she was miraculously restored to life, later to become Abbess of Gwytherin. I have never bothered to make a wish at this or any other holy well. All my wishes came true when I married Emma.
