Wales has a distinctive culture including its own language, customs, holidays and music. Wales is primarily represented by the symbol of the red , but other national emblems include the leek and daffodil. The Welsh words for leeks (cennin) and daffodils (cennin Pedr, lit. "(Saint) Peter's Leeks") are closely related and it is likely that one of the symbols came to be used due to a misunderstanding for the other one, though it is less clear which came first. Festivals The patron saint of Wales is Saint David, Dewi Sant in Welsh. St. David's Day is celebrated on 1 March, which some people argue should be designated a public holiday in Wales. Other days which have been proposed for national public commemorations are 16 September (the day on which Owain Glyndŵr's rebellion began) and 11 December (the death of Llywelyn the Last). The traditional seasonal festivals in Wales are: 1.) Calan Gaeaf (a Hallowe'en or -type holiday on the first day of winter) 2.) Gwyl Fair y Canhwyllau (literally Mary’s Festival of the Candles, but equivalent to Candlemas and ) 3.) Calan Mai (May Day, and similar to ) 4.) Calan Awst (or Midsummer, equivalent to Lughnasa). Additionally, each parish celebrated a Gŵyl Mabsant in commemoration of its native saint.

5.) Dydd Santes Dwynwen, a Welsh equivalent to Valentine's Day.

Additionally, Calennig is a Welsh New Year celebration.

Music

Wales is often referred to as "the land of song", and is notable for its harpists, male choirs, and solo artists. The principal Welsh festival of music and poetry is the annual National . The Llangollen International Eisteddfod echoes the National Eisteddfod but provides an opportunity for the singers and musicians of the world to perform. Traditional music and dance in Wales is supported by a myriad of societies. The Welsh Folk Song Society has published a number of collections of songs and tunes.